Airworthiness Directives; Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. Model 205A-1 and 205B Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHTI) Model 205A-1 and 205B helicopters, that requires inspecting the vertical fin spar cap (spar cap) for cracking, corrosion, or disbonding; modifying the vertical fin; and replacing the left-hand spar cap. This amendment is prompted by five accidents involving helicopters of similar type design. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect fatigue cracking or corrosion on the spar cap, which could lead to failure of the vertical fin spar, loss of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.