80-16-02 COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE GIOVANNI AGUSTA: Amendment 39- 3860. Applies to Model A109A series helicopters, certificated in all categories, which have nose landing gear mount assembly, P/N 1808GR90 (Agusta P/N 109-0500-12-1), manufactured from forging lot SS5211, installed.
Compliance required as indicated, unless already accomplished.
To prevent failure of the nose landing gear, inspect the mount assembly, P/N 1808GR90 (Agusta P/N 109-0500-12-1), as follows:
(a) Within 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the nose landing gear strut mount, P/N 1808GR90 (Agusta P/N 109-0500-12-1), to determine the manufacturer's lot number as etched on the mount assembly below the shimmy control group.
(b) If, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, the lot number is found to be other than SS5211, apply an identifying mark to the mount in accordance with "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS," Part I, paragraph 1.a., of Costruzioni Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta Service Bulletin No. 109-14, dated February 12, 1979, (hereinafter referred to as the Service Bulletin), or an FAA-approved equivalent, and return to service.
(c) If, as a result of the inspection required in paragraph (a) of this AD the lot number is found to be SS5211 or the lot number is not legible, or is non-existent, before further flight, except as provided in paragraph (j) of this AD, using a mirror and a light source, visually inspect the upper portion of the strut mount for cracking or evidence of cracking.
NOTE: During the inspection required by paragraph (c) of this AD, particular attention should be directed to the actuating cylinder attach pin area and the mount horns attach area to the fuselage structure in accordance with the Service Bulletin, or an FAA-approved equivalent.
(d) If, as a result of the inspection required in paragraph (c) of this AD, no cracking or evidence of cracking is found, return the helicopterto service and repeat the inspection in paragraph (c) of this AD before the first flight of each day, until paragraph (g) is accomplished.
(e) If, as a result of the inspection required in paragraph (c) or (d) of this AD, cracking of the paint or other evidence of cracking is found, inspect the nose landing gear mount assembly as described in paragraph (c) of this AD using the flourescent penetrant method.
(f) If, as a result of the inspection in paragraph (e) of this AD, no cracks are found, return the helicopter to service and repeat the inspection in paragraph (c) before the first flight of each day, until paragraph (g) is accomplished.
(g) If, as a result of the inspection required in paragraphs (c), (d), (e) or (f) of this AD, cracking is found, before further flight, except as provided in paragraph (j) of this AD:
(1) Accomplish paragraph (h) of this AD, and
(2) Replace the nose landing gear strut mount assembly, P/N 1808GR90 (Agusta P/N 109-0500-12-1), with a new part of the same P/N with lot number other than SS5211, in accordance with "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS," PART II, paragraph 3 through 6, of the Service Bulletin, or an FAA-approved equivalent.
(h) If, as a result of the inspections required in paragraph (c), (d), and (e) or (f) of this AD, removal of the nose landing gear is necessary, before reinstallation of the nose landing gear, visually inspect the cylinder aft fitting assembly, P/N 109-0501-19-5, and related attach components for cracks, warpage, elongation of holes and fretting in accordance with "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS," PART II, of the Service Bulletin, or an FAA- approved equivalent. Replace damaged components as necessary.
(i) When paragraphs (g) has been accomplished, no further inspections are required by this AD.
(j) The helicopter may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 and FAR 21.199 to a base where the inspection or replacement can be performed.
(k) For the purpose of complyingwith this AD, an FAA-approved equivalent may be approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, AEU-100, Europe, Africa and Middle East Office, Federal Aviation Administration, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium.
This amendment becomes effective August 11, 1980.