To: Cyclic Hotline
Assuming that MD Helicopters performed an FMEA as a part of the design process it may have been determined that three of the four bolts are capable of reacting all normal structural loads. It would also be assumed that the inspection program would uncover the defective nut or bolt and it/they would be replaced before further damage could occur. However one poster indicated that the boom or fuselage had to be deskinned in order to access the captive nut. This is poor design and if the nut or bolt are not accessible then the remaining three bolts would be operating at a higher stress level and be subject to failure. If this were the case the remaining two bolts would be incapable of reacting the loads and would eventually fail and there goes the boom.
[ 01 November 2001: Message edited by: Lu Zuckerman ]