The FAA issued a second Emergency Airworthiness Directive [2012-10-53] for the Eurocopter EC135 on May 18. This EAD supercedes the earlier EAD [2012-10-51] for an inspection of the main rotor hub shaft flange for cracks.

Since the release of the earlier directive, the FAA was made aware by EASA authorities that the initially required inspections may not be sufficient to determine the airworthiness of the helicopter. If undetected, cracks could result to the failure of the main rotor hub and subsequent loss of control.

The new EAD took effect immediately and requires inspections before each flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed six hours time in service.