Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14117 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters
Model A109E helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 11084 through 11113 except S/N 11096, 11103, 11105, 11106, 11107, 11110, and 11111, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E helicopters that requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), locating relay K7212 and its associated cable in the overhead panel assembly and visually inspecting the electrical cable in the splice area for arcing or burns. If arcing or burns are found, this AD requires, before further flight, replacing an unairworthy cable with an airworthy cable kit. This AD is prompted by an overhead panel inspection report of incorrect crimping of the pins on the cable that connects to the relay. An electrical cable fault during assembly could result in arcing or burning of the cable junction at a relay in the overhead electrical panel. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect arcing or burns of the cable or relay and to prevent burning of the cable junction at a relay, a fire in the cockpit, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To detect arcing or burns of the cable or relay and to prevent burning of the cable junction at a relay, a fire in the cockpit, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Within 5 hours time-in-service, visually inspect the cable, part number (P/N) 109-0753-10, for arcing and burns in the splice area where it connects to relay K7212. Refer to Figures 1 and 3 of the Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-22, dated November 12, 2001 (ABT) for the location of the cable and the relay in the cockpit overhead panel.
(b) If arcing or burns are found, before further flight, replace the cable, P/N 109-0753-10, with an airworthy cable kit, P/N 109-0823-01-101 and test the electrical system by following the Compliance Instructions, Part II, of the ABT.
(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) Inspecting and replacing the cable and testing the electrical system must be done by following Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-22, dated November 12, 2001. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference 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 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.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
