AD FAA-2009-1146

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states: "Recently, a report was received concerning the discovery of fragments of a plastic blanking plug (fitted to the harness belt buckle 5th attachment point) inside a seat harness belt buckle. Over time, this blanking plug hardens and becomes brittle. This condition, if not corrected, can lead to failure of the plug and fragments being caught inside the buckle, causing interference and preventing the belt from being released during an emergency evacuation of the aircraft." This AD requires actions that are intended to address this unsafe condition.