Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13755 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A109K2 Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109K2 Helicopters
Model A109K2 helicopters, with tail rotor trunnion assembly (trunnion), part number 109-0131-05 (all dash numbers), installed, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109K2 helicopters. This action requires dye-penetrant inspecting the tail rotor trunnion (trunnion) assembly for a crack at specified intervals, replacing any cracked trunnion with an airworthy trunnion, and reporting any failed trunnion. This amendment is prompted by the report of an accident involving a tail rotor hub and blade assembly separating from the helicopter due to fatigue failure of the trunnion. The cause for the crack in the trunnion has not been determined and is still under investigation. This condition, if not detected, could result in failure of the trunnion, loss of the tail rotor hub and blade assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To detect a crack and prevent fatigue failure of the trunnion, loss of the tail rotor hub and blade assembly, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Using a qualified Level II Inspector and following the Compliance Instructions, paragraphs 1. through 8., of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109K-37, dated February 13, 2004, dye penetrant inspect the trunnion for a crack as follows:
(1) Unless accomplished previously, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) for trunnions with 150 or more hours TIS;
(2) Unless accomplished previously, on or before accumulating 150 hours TIS for trunnions with less than 150 hours TIS; and
(3) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 150 hours TIS.
(b) If a crack is found, before further flight, replace the cracked trunnion with an airworthy trunnion before further flight.
(1) Within 5 days, report the part number, serial number, total hours TIS, and a description of the crack to Richard Monschke, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0110, telephone (817) 222-5116, fax (817) 222-5961.
(2) Information collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) Do the inspection following Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109K-37, dated February 13, 2004. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_ register/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html.
