EASA 2023-0159

Requires inspections and replacements as necessary of affected main rotor blade (MRB) assembly parts. The AD stems from a report of a quality escape on a batch of MRBs, where the tip cap had been replaced following a procedure and using tools not in accordance with Leonardo's technical publications. This non-conformity could lead to early debonding of the tip cap and ultimately to its detachment. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to loss of the MRB tip cap in flight, possibly resulting in loss of control of, and damage to, the helicopter, and/or injury to occupants.