AD 2021-14-14 Prompted By Reports Of Detected Smoke And Burning Smell During Flight

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW119 MKII helicopters.

This AD was prompted by reports of detected smoke and burning smell during flight, caused by chafing of electrical wiring. This AD requires an inspection of the instrument panel electrical wiring, corrective actions if necessary, a modification of the wiring installation, and, for certain helicopters, an additional modification of the wiring installation, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective July 26, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0040, dated January 27, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0040) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW119 MKII helicopters.

This AD was prompted by reports of detected smoke and burning smell during flight, caused by chafing of electrical wiring. The FAA is issuing this AD to address detected smoke, burning smell during flight, and chafing of electrical wiring, which could lead to further occurrences of smoke in the cabin, or loss of function of avionics equipment, and possibly result in reduced control of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov