Airbus Helicopters has been ordered to conduct tests on two of its models after cracks were found in the fuselage.
The European Aviation Safety Agency said the damage on a join between the tail boom and rotor could lead to possible loss of control of the helicopter if not addressed.
The defect was picked up following spot checks on the EC130 B4 and EC130 T2.
A report by the European Aviation Safety Agency said the cracks were not visible from the outside of the helicopters, despite being of “significant length.”
It said the rotor could become detached if the cracks went unchecked.
Operators have been ordered to carry out detailed visual inspections of the affected models.
