Rotorcraft
Emergency Tail Rotor AD Issued for AW169, AW189
AD was issued In wake of fatal AW169 crash.

EASA has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD), effective November 9, in the wake of the fatal October 27 crash of a Leonardo AW169 in Leicester, UK, that killed all five aboard. The AD mandates the inspection of all AW169s and AW189s for correct installation of the tail rotor servo-actuator. The AD was extended to AW189s as the tail rotor flight control system on it is similar to the one on the AW169. The inspections are to take place within five flight hours or 24 hours of the effective date of the AD, whichever comes first.