EASA 2019-0073

Requires a one-time inspection of affected tail rotor blades (TRB) and, depending on findings, replacement of any damaged TRB with a serviceable part. This AD stems from reports of damage found on the TRB leading edge of AW139 helicopters equipped with the full ice protection system. The investigation determined that this damage had been caused by the heat developed from an electrical short circuit which occurred in flight in the TRB heater mat root area.