AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Agusta A109 Series Helicopters

AD/A109/45 Tail Rotor Hub and Blades Ass AD/A109/45 Tail Rotor Hub and Blades Assembly 8/2003

AD/A109/45 Tail Rotor Hub and Blades Assembly 8/2003

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Applicability: All Model A109AII, A109C, and A109E helicopters.

Requirement: Inspect in accordance with Agusta Technical Bulletin BT 109-117 or BT 109EP-36, as applicable.

Note: ENAC AD 2003-214 refers.

Compliance: Within 5 flight hours after 27 June 2003, unless already accomplished.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 27 June 2003.

Background: A report was received of the loss of a tail rotor assembly on an in-service Model A109K2 helicopter. Investigation is continuing as to the cause of the failure. This Directive requires a precautionary inspection of affected tail rotor installations to exclude possible incorrect installation, and to check for evidence of damage.

David Punshon

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 June 2003