EASA 2019-0160

Calls for repetitive visual inspections of the hydraulic fluid levels in the tail rotor (TR) dampers and replacement of the TR dampers, if necessary. The AD provides for a terminating action after certain flight hours and additionally requires a ground run after installation of a TR damper.  This AD stems from reports of major leakage of hydraulic fluid in the TR dampers installed on AW189 helicopters. Based on the evaluation of the parts returned from service, it was determined that the leakage events occurred on new parts or those that had accumulated few flight hours. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could degrade the performance of the TR damper and, in case of multiple TR damper hydraulic leakage, cause TR damage, possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.