EASA AD 2026-0192
Fuselage – Tail Gearbox Fitting – Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0192 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of the tail gearbox fitting Part Number 4F5350A04152 on Leonardo S.p.A. AW189 helicopters. It applies to all serial numbers of the AW189 and requires inspection for cracks and corrosion due to reported fatigue cracking caused by mechanical damage to the anti-corrosion coating. The directive mandates a one-time inspection and reporting to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory one-time inspection of the affected tail gearbox fitting on AW189 helicopters that have accumulated more than 1,000 flight hours. It requires operators to inspect for cracks or corrosion within 25 flight hours after the effective date and to report findings to Leonardo S.p.A. Corrective actions must be taken if discrepancies are found.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural failure risk that could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure safety and regulatory adherence, preventing possible accidents caused by undetected fatigue cracks. Compliance also supports ongoing safety investigations and future regulatory updates.
What To Do
Operators of AW189 helicopters with the affected tail gearbox fitting must perform an inspection within 25 flight hours after 2026-10-20 following Leonardo S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin 189-432 instructions. If damage is found, they must contact Leonardo S.p.A. for corrective actions before further flight. Regardless of findings, inspection results must be reported to Leonardo S.p.A. within 30 days after inspection.
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