AD 2021-05-13 Prompted By Two Reported Failures Of The Tail Plane Installation Forward Bolts

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters.

This AD was prompted by two reported failures of the tail plane installation forward bolts (bolts). This AD requires inspecting the bolts and depending on the results of those inspections, removing certain parts from service or installing a tail plane retromod. This AD also requires torqueing certain part-numbered nuts, inspecting bolts and nuts for wear, and depending on the results of those inspections, removing parts from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 21, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2018-0047-E, dated February 28, 2018 (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A.) Model AW189 helicopters. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0309.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Leonardo Model AW189 helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2020 (85 FR 81160). The NPRM was prompted by two reported failures of the bolts. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the bolts and depending on the results of those inspections, removing certain parts from service or installing a tail plane retromod. The NPRM also proposed to require torqueing certain part-numbered nuts, inspecting bolts and nuts for wear, and depending on the results of those inspections, removing parts from service.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address the failure of a bolt. This condition could result in reduced control of the helicopter. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov