Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has examined a tail rotor bearing degradation issue on a Leonardo AW139 after the problem was discovered during post-flight maintenance at Norwich Airport in June 2022. The defect involved the helicopter’s tail rotor duplex bearing, which showed wear damage on the bearing and actuator assembly.
According to the investigation summary, the bearing deterioration had progressed to a condition that could have led to a loss of control if the aircraft had continued operating. The AAIB said the event raised safety concerns specific to the AW139 tail rotor system.
Following the investigation, three safety recommendations were issued to address the risk linked to tail rotor duplex bearing failures on the type. The case remains a notable maintenance-related incident involving the AW139, one of Leonardo’s widely used medium helicopters.