The FAA finally managed an AD 3 years later that mandated a regular ultrasonic inspection on the bore of the grip:-
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 204B, 205A,
This amendment is prompted by the discovery of 13 grips that cracked in the lower tang, three of which cracked in flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a grip, separation of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
I believe the PH accident was the third time a failure had occured.
Its amazing how readily some people blame their own QA or maintenance inspectors without mastering the subject first.
