AD/AB139/6 Wire Strike Protection System (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Agusta AB139 and AW139 Series Helicopters

AD/AB139/6 Wire Strike Protection System 10/2008 DM

Applicability:

Agusta S.p.A model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with EASA AD 2008-0148.

Note:  Agusta Bollettino Tecnico (BT) 139-126 refers.

Compliance:

Unless previously accomplished, within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 19 August 2008.

Background:

This Airworthiness Directive mandates rework or replacement of the top cable cutter assembly due to possible contact between the cutter assembly and two main rotor blades.  This condition, if not corrected, could cause damage to the rotor blades and lead to loss of control of the helicopter.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

12 August 2008