Originally Posted by
cayuse365
I'm not sure this is relevant to this accident but the timing is questionable.
31AgustaWestland: Lower Half Scissor Spherical Bearings
News Staff posted on March 31, 2014 11:25
An EMERGENCY airworthiness directive (EAD) 2014-07-51 is being sent to owners and operators of AgustaWestland S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This EAD was prompted by reports of certain Lower Half Scissor Spherical Bearings (bearings) dislodging from certain Main Rotor (M/R) Rotating Scissors.
This EAD requires inspecting the M/R Rotating Scissors for play of the bearing. If the play is beyond allowable limits, this EAD requires removing the affected bearing and re-identifying the M/R Rotating Scissors. This EAD also requires removing all affected bearings.
The actions of this EAD are intended to detect excessive play of the bearing and prevent failure of the M/R Rotating Scissors and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
Already mentioned in post 358 (page 18). And no, probably not relevant due (IIRC) to the age of G-LBAL.