AD 2020-19-09 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters

Models named: AW169, AW189. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to the Leonardo S.p.A. helicopters identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category, equipped with an affected part defined as internal emergency exit handle, part number (P/N) 8G9500L00151, and external emergency exit handle, P/N 8G9500L00251. (1) Model AW169 helicopters, all serial numbers. (2) Model AW189 helicopters, all serial numbers, except those helicopters with emergency exit windows equipped with strap P/N A487A003A, or helicopters with bubble windows P/N 8G5620F00112.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters equipped with a passenger sliding door configuration, cabin main assembly P/N 6F5330A00131 or P/N 6F5330A00132: Within 750 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 24 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, install the retro-modification P/N 6F5600P00111 on the rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency exit handles, in accordance with Part I, Steps 1 through 8 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 169-094, Revision A, dated August 13, 2018, except you are required to replace the affected emergency exit handles and are not required to discard the filler wedges. (2) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW169 helicopters equipped with a passenger hinged door configuration, cabin main assembly VIP P/N 6F5330A00831: Within 750 hours TIS or 24 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, install the retro-modification P/N 6F5600P00111 on the rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency exit handles, in accordance with Part II, Steps 1 through 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 169-094, Revision A, dated August 13, 2018, except you are required to replace the affected emergency exit handles and are not required to discard the filler wedges. (3) For Leonardo S.p.A. Model AW189 helicopters: Within 750 hours TIS or 24 months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, install the retro-modification P/N 8G5600P00211 on the rubber filler wedge of all affected emergency exit handles, in accordance with Steps 1 through 11 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin 189-170, dated July 25, 2018, except you are required to replace the affected emergency exit handles and are not required to discard the filler wedges.

This AD was prompted by a report of a broken extrusion rubber window seal; an investigation found the likely cause was excessive tension of the string applied during the installation of an affected emergency exit handle. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition, which, if not addressed, could result in an excessive load required to release the emergency exit window, possibly resulting in delayed evacuation of helicopter occupants during an emergency.

None.