AD 2018-07-02
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Agusta | S.p.A. | Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters |
Unsafe Condition
An in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap on an AW109SP helicopter where the pilot was able to safely land the helicopter. The investigation determined the cause as incorrect bonding procedures used between specific dates and identified the affected MRBs by part number and serial number. This condition could result in loss of an MRB tip cap, increased pilot workload, and reduced control of the helicopter.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
For helicopters with an MRB part number 709-0104-01-111 with serial number 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485 installed, this AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5 hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip cap for disbonding and, if there is disbonding, removing the MRB from service before further flight. If there is no disbonding on any of the inspections, this AD requires removing the MRB from service within 25 hours TIS. After the effective date of this AD, this AD prohibits installing these serial-numbered MRBs on any helicopter. For all other helicopters, this AD requires, within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours TIS, tap inspecting the MRB tip cap for disbonding. If there is any disbonding, this AD requires removing the MRB from service before further flight. The repetitive inspections required for these MRBs would no longer be required after the MRB accumulates 400 hours TIS.
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Compliance Time
Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 5 hours TIS, or within 25 hours TIS and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 25 hours TIS
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Affected Aircraft
Agusta Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters with an MRB part number 709-0104-01-111 with serial number 1307, 1320, 1346, 1365, 1372, 1380, 1414, 1426, 1436, 1475, or 1485 installed, or all other helicopters
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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