AD FAA-2013-0354

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010- 21-01 for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D, AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters. AD 2010-21-01 required an inspection to determine whether a cross-member is installed at station X 2165 and doublers at X 2325 and Y 269, and installing them if they are missing. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2010-21-01 but clarifies the inspection procedures and limits the applicability to only those helicopters with collective-to-yaw control coupling. This AD is prompted by a crack discovered in the area of the center cross-member at station X 2325, at the attachment point of the yaw channel ball-type control sheath stop, of a Model AS355N helicopter fitted with the collective-to-yaw control coupling. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent reduced yaw control and subsequent loss of helicopter control.