Investigation Report
AW139 Vibration During Climb with Tail Rotor Bonding Strip Cracking
Agusta AW139, G-MCSD 05-19
- AAIB
- Investigation Report
- Material fatigueMechanical failure
- Helicopter operationsInspection and maintenance
- Helicopter
- Preventive maintenance
Summary
An AW139 returned to Aberdeen after unusual vibration during climb. Examination identified fatigue cracking in three tail rotor bonding strips, with one strip and its cable fairing lost. Gearbox bearing spalling was unrelated. The manufacturer planned additional detailed visual inspection and a manufacturing-process review; EASA classified the event as ‘Not-Unsafe’.
Classifications: Material fatigue; metal fatigue.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Helicopter operations; offshore aviation; rotary-wing operations.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Helicopter; rotorcraft.
Classifications: Preventive maintenance; preventative maintenance; planned maintenance.