AD 2020-13-02 Prompted By Findings From A Preliminary Investigation Of A Model AW119 MKII Helicopter Accident

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

This AD requires inspecting for movement and the tightening torque of the tail rotor (T/R) plug, the installation of the outboard and inboard faces of the T/R duplex bearing, and the condition of the T/R plug threads, nut threads, and T/R duplex bearing.

Depending on the inspection results, this AD requires removing parts from service, reassembling the T/R duplex assembly, and reporting information. This AD also prohibits installing a T/R duplex bearing unless it has been inspected. This AD was prompted by findings from a preliminary investigation of a Model AW119 MKII helicopter accident. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective July 8, 2020.

Supplementary Information: This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and the FAA did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments prior to it becoming effective. However, the FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. The FAA also invites comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that resulted from adopting this AD. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the AD, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically, commenters should submit them only one time. The FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this rulemaking during the comment period. The FAA will consider all the comments received and may conduct additional rulemaking based on those comments.

FMI: www.regulations.gov