Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21147 · Tail rotor system
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2021-03-15. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category, with a tail rotor (T/R) duplex bearing part number (P/N) 129-0160-11-103 (T/R duplex bearing).
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.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove the lockwire that secures the T/R plug P/N 129-0160-45-103 (T/R plug) to the bearing liner assembly P/N 109-0135-16-101 (bearing liner assembly). Without loosening the T/R plug first, inspect the tightening torque of the T/R plug by increasing the torque up to 30.5 Nm and inspect for any movement the moment torque is applied.
(i) If there is no movement and the tightening torque is at least 30.5 Nm, before further flight, install lockwire by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part I, paragraph 4, of Leonardo Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No. 119-100, dated August 7, 2019 (EASB 119-100).
(ii) If there is any movement or the tightening torque is less than 30.5 Nm, before further flight, comply with paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
(2) Within 50 hours TIS, unless required before further flight by paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD, inspect to determine whether the P/N and serial number (S/N) are visible on the outboard and inboard faces of the T/R duplex bearing by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 4 through 13 (except paragraphs 9.1, 13.1, and 13.2), of EASB 119-100. Instead of the excluded steps, do the following:
Note 1 to paragraph (e)(2) of this AD: You are not required to discard parts and you may use equivalent tooling to that identified in EASB 119-100.
(i) If the P/N and S/N markings are visible on the outboard or inboard face of the T/R duplex bearing, before further flight, remove from service the T/R duplex bearing, internal spacer P/N 129-0160-43-101 (internal spacer), external spacer P/N 129-0160-44-101 (external spacer), bearing liner assembly, and T/R control rod P/N 109-0135-02-101 (T/R control rod).
(ii) If the P/N and S/N markings are not visible on the inboard face of the T/R duplex bearing, before further flight, inspect the T/R duplex bearing, T/R plug, and nut by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 14 and 15 (but not paragraphs 15.1 through 15.2), of EASB 119-100. For purposes of this inspection, damage to the races may be indicated by non-movement of the inner race, movement of the outer race, deformation, roughness, or incorrect installation; and damage to the threads of the T/R plug and nut may be indicated by uneven threads, missing threads, or cross-threading.
(A) If the T/R duplex bearing has any rough rotation, brinelling, spalling, chipping, flaking, evidence of overheated bearing balls, or damage to the races, before further flight, remove from service the T/R duplex bearing, the internal spacer, the external spacer, the bearing liner assembly, and the T/R control rod.
(B) If the T/R plug or nut has any damaged threads, before further flight, remove from service the affected part.
(C) Reassemble the T/R duplex bearing assembly by following the Accomplishment Instructions, part II, paragraphs 16 through 31, of EASB 119-100.
(3) If the T/R plug had any movement or its tightening torque was not at least 30.5 Nm in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this AD or if any parts were required to be removed as a result of the inspections required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, within 10 days after completing the inspection, report the information in Appendix 1 to this AD by email to aw109.mbx.aw@leonardocompany.com.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a T/R duplex bearing P/N 129-0160-11-103 on any helicopter unless you have complied with the requirements in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.
