Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11039 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2001-24-07. Comply with the one in force.
Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters, with main rotor blades, part number (P/N) 709-0103-01-all dash numbers, having a serial number (S/N) up to and including S/N 1428 with a prefix of either "EM-" or "A5-", installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 98-19-04, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires conducting a tapping inspection of the upperside and lowerside of the main rotor blade (blade) blade tip cap for debonding between the metal shells and honeycomb core; conducting a visual inspection of the upperside and lowerside of the blade tip cap for swelling or deformation between the metal shells and the honeycomb core; and visually inspecting the welded bead along the leading edge of the blade tip cap for cracks. This amendment is prompted by two discoveries of cracks in the leading edge of the blade tip cap of a blade. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent blade blade tip cap failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
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
