SAIB SW-05-18 —

SW-05-18 December 1, 2004 www.faa.gov/certification/aircraft This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin alerts you, owners and operators of Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E helicopters, of information concerning tail rotor blades, part number 109-8132-01-111.

Reference Agusta Technical Bulletin No. 109EP-47, dated November 8, 2004

Background

We issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) 2002-25-51, effective March 17, 2003, that requires tail rotor blade inspections for cracks and reducing life limits for tail rotor blades, part number 109-8132-01-111. Additionally, the AD requires modification of the tail rotor hub and grip assembly, replacing the tail rotor blades with new zero time in service blades, which then results in restoring the original life limit of the tail rotor blades.

We have recently received two reports of finding cracks in these blades during the mandated visual inspection. The operator has initiated additional inspection criteria for their fleet of Agusta 109E helicopters in addition to the inspection criteria mandated in the EAD.

Recommendations

We recommend that you follow the referenced service information that addresses new tail rotor blades, part number 709-0160-48-101, by application of a kit, part number 109-0823-50- 101. The technical bulletin would retire from service the tail rotor blades, part number 109- 8132-01-111, together with the grips, part number 109-8131-299-101.

These newly designed tail rotor blades are made of a composite material that significantly increases the fatigue life of the blade. The life limit of these tail rotor blades is 15,000 hours. Agusta is also offering a pro-rated credit for existing 109-8132-01-111 tail rotor blades. However, these blades and kit are not compatible with Agusta 109E helicopters that have been modified by FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SR01848NY for the increased maximum take-off weight from 2850 Kg to 3000 Kg.

For Further Information, Contact

Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA Rotorcraft Directorate Office, Federal Aviation Administration, Fort Worth, TX, 76193-0111; telephone: (817) 222-5122; e- mail: [email protected].

For Copies of the Service Information, contact Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595.