Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters
airworthiness · Rule · Final rule; request for comments. · Published 1999-02-16 · Effective 1999-03-03 · 64 FR 7494
Document
Document number
99-3589
Federal Register citation
64 FR 7494
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Category
airworthiness
Publication date
1999-02-16
Effective date
1999-03-03
FAA docket
Docket No. 98-SW-40-AD
Abstract
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.