Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15930 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII Helicopters
This AD applies to Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII helicopters with cargo hook, part number (P/N) 528-010-01, and cargo hook lever, P/N 232-028-00, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E, A109S, A119, and AW119MKII helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical Agent for the aviation authority of Italy, with which we have a bilateral agreement, has issued an MCAI AD which states that two cases of cracks on a certain cargo hook lever (lever) have been reported by the manufacturer of the cargo hook. This lever is a critical structural component of the cargo hook, and a crack could result in inadvertent loss of the cargo hook load. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition caused by cracks in the cargo hook lever.
Before each cargo hook operation, visually inspect the cargo hook lever, P/N 232-028-00, for any crack. Use a 10-power or higher magnifying glass and inspect in the area depicted in Figures 1 and 2 of the following Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (ABT), all dated June 6, 2007:
(1) ABT No. 109EP-78 for Model A109E helicopters;
(2) ABT No. 109S-12 for Model A109S helicopters; or
(3) ABT No. 119-21 for Model A119 helicopters.
(f) If a crack is found in the lever, do not use the cargo hook until the entire cargo hook is replaced with an airworthy cargo hook with an uncracked lever.
This AD differs from the MCAI AD in that we:
(1) Exclude the August 31, 2007 compliance date because that date has passed;
(2) Exclude the Model A109LUH from the applicability and do not reference Agusta ABT No. 109L-006 because the Model A109LUH helicopter is not on the U.S. type certificate, H7EU;
(3) Add the Model AW119MKII to the applicability;
(4) Require the use of a 10-power or higher magnifying glass to accomplish the visual inspections; and
(5) Exclude the kit installation P/N, relying instead on the cargo hook and lever P/N.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: John Strasburger, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5167; fax (817) 222-5961.
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.
