AD 2021-12-03 Prompted By A Report Of The Bubble Window Departing From The Helicopter

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

This AD was prompted by a report of the bubble window departing from the helicopter during flight. This AD requires installation of a new improved bubble window kit, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now the 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 1, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2018-0082, dated April 11, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0082) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters, if equipped with bubble windows kit part number 8G5620F00111.

This AD was prompted by a report of a bubble window departing from the helicopter during flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address degradation of the installation of the bubble windows, which could cause loss of a bubble window during flight, possibly resulting in damage to the helicopter and injury to persons on the ground. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov