EASA 2018-0280

Requires a one-time inspection of mixing control system rigid connecting link (rod) parts for damage, cracking, or play and corrective action(s) if necessary. This AD stemmed from a report of damage to a rod on an A109E helicopter and loosening of the nut on the upper rod end. Each helicopter is fitted with three rods, connecting the mixing control system to the main rotor servo-actuators. The technical investigation is on-going to determine the root cause of the occurrence. Follow-up analysis indicated that, due to the similarity of design, some of those parts may be installed on other A109/A119 helicopter models.