AD 2021-22-05 Requires Repetitive Inspections Of Affected Torque Tube Assemblies

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII  helicopters.

This AD was prompted by reports of abnormal play on the collective torque tube on two Model AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD requires repetitive inspections of affected torque tube assemblies for any deficiency and corrective action if necessary; and the replacement of any affected part with a serviceable part, which is terminating action for the repetitive inspections, 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 is effective January 3, 2022.

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0096, dated March 31, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0096), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters, formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A., Agusta S.p.A.; and AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation, formerly Agusta Aerospace Corporation, Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, all serial numbers.

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 S.p.a. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2021 (86 FR 38242). The NPRM was prompted by reports of abnormal play on the collective torque tube on two Model AW119 MKII helicopters. Investigations revealed that these events were due to an erroneous manufacturing process, affecting certain collective torque tube assemblies. The affected batch numbers were identified. Leonardo S.p.a. Model A119 helicopters are similar in design and may be subject to the same unsafe condition revealed on the Model AW119 MKII helicopters. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of affected torque tube assemblies for any deficiency and corrective action if necessary; and the replacement of any affected part with a serviceable part, which is terminating action for the repetitive inspections, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0096.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address abnormal play on the collective torque tube, which could result in reduced control of the helicopter, resulting in a forced landing and consequent damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. See EASA AD 2021-0096 for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov