AMSAFE Restraint Systems – Jammed Cockpit Seat Belt Buckles

Dear Madam/Sir, Please find attached hereto an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) which has already been posted on our web site and can be viewed at https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2016-16R1 . EASA ADs and other Safety Publications are available online at http://ad.easa.europa.eu Safety Information Section Email: [email protected] EASA Website (Attachment is in Acrobat PDF format) Postal: : Postfach 10 12 53, 50452 Cologne, Germany An agency of the European Union This message is intended for the use of the addressee only and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by returning this e-mail. Sender accepts no liability for damage of any kind resulting from the risks inherent in the electronic transmission of messages. This communication does not constitute any formal commitment on behalf of the European Aviation Safety Agency. EASA SIB No.: 2016-16R1 Safety Information Bulletin Airworthiness SIB No.: 2016-16R1 Issued: 24 May 2017 Subject: AMSAFE Restraint Systems – Jammed Cockpit Seat Belt Buckles Revision: This SIB revises EASA SIB 2016-16 dated 14 October 2016. Ref. Publications: AMSAFE Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 1150004-25-A01 Revision 7 dated 15 March 2017. IPECO SB 063-25-11 Revision 2, dated 09 November 2016. Applicability: AMSAFE Rotary Buckles (RB) Part Numbers (P/N) 1150004-Series (see Figure 1 below), manufactured between December 2013 and April 2016 (inclusive). The affected AMSAFE RBs are known to be installed on, but not limited to, IPECO pilot and co-pilot seat belt restraint systems assemblies (RSA), having the following P/Ns: - 0150001-( )-( ) - 1180002-( )-( ) - 1180003-( )-( ) - 1180010-( )-( ) - 1180011-( )-( ) These RSA are known to be installed on, but not limited to, ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. Description: Reports were received by EASA of occurrences where pilots were unable to release their seat belts buckles. This issue occurred on RSA, identified as IPECO P/N 1180010-( )-( ), equipped with AMSAFE RB P/N 1150004-Series. Investigation conducted by AMSAFE on RB P/N 1150004-Series concluded that the thread locker may not have been properly applied on the RB central screw. This is a quality production issue, which may lead to the central screw progressively unscrewing, up to a point where it would prevent the unlocking of the seat belt buckle. This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory. TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 1 of 2 Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet. An agency of the European Union  EASA SIB No.: 2016-16R1 Since EASA SIB 2016-16 was issued, AMSAFE determined, following new in-service events reported on seat belt buckle outside the initial batch, that the range of impacted seat belt buckles is to be extended. This SIB is revised accordingly. At this time, the safety concern described in this SIB is not considered to be an unsafe condition that would warrant Airworthiness Directive (AD) action under Regulation (EU) 748/2012, Part 21.A.3B. Recommendation(s): EASA recommends operators to accomplish the actions as specified in AMSAFE ASB 1150004-25- A01, Revision 7. IPECO SB 063-25-11 Revision 2 also contains useful information and instructions concerning this safety subject. Contact(s): For further information contact the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate. E-mail: [email protected]. For a copy the referenced service information, or any question concerning the technical content of the recommendations in this SIB, please contact: AMSAFE Inc., 1043 North 47th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, United States 85043, Telephone: +1 (602) 850 2850, Fax: +1 (602) 850 2812. IPECO Holdings Ltd., Aviation Way, South End On Sea, SS2 6UN, United Kingdom, Telephone: +44 1702 549371, Fax: +44 1702 540782. ATR – GIE Avions de Transport Régional, Continued Airworthiness Service, Telephone: + 33 (0)5 62 21 62 21, Fax: +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18, E-mail: [email protected]. This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory. TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 2 of 2 Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet. An agency of the European Union