Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters and currently requires inspecting the main rotor blade (blade) tip cap for bonding separation and a crack. This amendment contains the same requirements as the existing AD but also requires a tap inspection of the tip cap for bonding separation in the blade bond area and a dye penetrant inspection of the tip cap leading edge along the welded joint line of the upper and lower tip cap skin shells for a crack. This amendment is prompted by three occurrences in which the blade tip cap leading edge opened in flight due to cracks, resulting in excessive helicopter vibration. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a blade tip cap, excessive vibration, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.