Airworthiness Directives; AgustaWestland S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Agusta S.p.A.) (Agusta) Helicopters

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Model A109C, A109E, A109K2, and A119 helicopters. This AD requires a recurring visual inspection of the tail rotor (T/R) blade retaining bolts (bolts) for a crack, corrosion, damage, or missing cadmium plating in the central part of the bolt and, depending on findings, a liquid penetrant inspection. This AD also requires replacing a cracked or damaged bolt. This AD was prompted by two reported incidents of cracked bolts. The actions of this AD are intended to detect an unairworthy bolt and prevent failure of a bolt, release of a T/R blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.