Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E helicopters that requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), locating relay K7212 and its associated cable in the overhead panel assembly and visually inspecting the electrical cable in the splice area for arcing or burns. If arcing or burns are found, this AD requires, before further flight, replacing an unairworthy cable with an airworthy cable kit. This AD is prompted by an overhead panel inspection report of incorrect crimping of the pins on the cable that connects to the relay. An electrical cable fault during assembly could result in arcing or burning of the cable junction at a relay in the overhead electrical panel. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect arcing or burns of the cable or relay and to prevent burning of the cable junction at a relay, a fire in the cockpit, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.