AD 2022-07-01 Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

Models named: AB139, AW139. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category, with emergency flotation kit part number (P/N) 4G9560F00111 (15 passengers) or 4G9560F00211 (18 passengers) installed.

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

(1) For helicopters with a right-hand (RH) or left-hand (LH) life raft reservoir (reservoir) P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with a serial number (S/N) listed in Table 1 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 139-648, dated August 10, 2020 (referred to as “ASB 139-648 First Issue”), within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07), remove each affected reservoir from service. Any reservoir with the letter “R” after the S/N is excluded from this requirement. (2) For helicopters with a RH or LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with an S/N listed in Table 1 of Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 139-662, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-662) within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, remove each affected reservoir from service. Any reservoir with the letter “R” after the S/N is excluded from this requirement. (3) For helicopters with a RH or LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with an S/N not listed in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 First Issue or Table 1 of ASB 139-662 installed, within 25 hours TIS or before the reservoir accumulates 55 total hours TIS since first installation on a helicopter, whichever occurs later after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07), inspect the valve pull rod of each reservoir by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 3. through 5.1, of ASB 139-648 First Issue. Any reservoir with the letter “R” after the S/N is included in this requirement. If the measurement of the actuator cable between the face of the pull rod and the back of the valve cap exceeds 68.5 mm, before further flight, replace the reservoir. As an alternative to using the specified portions of ASB 139-648 First Issue, you may accomplish the valve pull rod inspection by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 3. through 5.1, of Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 139-648, Revision A, dated February 15, 2021 (ASB 139-648 Rev A). Note 1 to paragraph (g)(3): An actuator cable, which is referenced in paragraphs (g)(3) and (4) of this AD, is also known as an actuation cable. (4) For helicopters with a RH or LH reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 and with an S/N not listed in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 First Issue or Table 1 of ASB 139-662 installed, within 25 hours TIS after December 4, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-23-07), inspect the actuator cable of each reservoir by following the Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 3. through 5.1, of ASB 139-648 First Issue. Any reservoir with the letter “R” after the S/N in included in this requirement. If the clearance between the sphere at the end of the actuator cable and the activation system exceeds 5.0 +0.00/−2.0 mm, before further flight, adjust the actuator cable by following Annex A of ASB 139-648 First Issue. As an alternative to using the specified portions of ASB 139-648 First Issue, you may accomplish the actuator cable inspection and corrective action by following: (i) The Accomplishment Instructions, Part III, paragraphs 3. through 5.1, and Annex A, as applicable, of ASB 139-648 Rev A, or (ii) The Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4 through 4.3.1, and Annex A, as applicable, of ASB 139-662. (5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 with an S/N listed in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 First Issue, Table 1 of ASB 139-648 Rev A, or Table 1 of ASB 139-662 on any helicopter. Any reservoir with the letter “R” after the S/N is excluded from this requirement. (6) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a reservoir P/N 3G2560V01951 or P/N 3G2560V01251 with an S/N other than an S/N listed in Table 1 of ASB 139-648 First Issue, Table 1 of ASB 139-648 Rev A, or Table 1 of ASB 139-662, on any helicopter unless you have complied with the requirements in paragraphs (g)(3) and (4) of this AD, as applicable to your helicopter.

This AD was prompted by the inadvertent activation and deployment of an emergency life raft while the helicopter was in flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the unintended deployment of a life raft (raft). The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the deployment of a raft during flight, separation of the raft with possible impact on the rotors, and subsequent reduced control of the helicopter.

This AD replaces AD 2020-23-07, Amendment 39-21323 (85 FR 73610, November 19, 2020) (AD 2020-23-07).