AD FAA-2012-0886

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain wire strike protection system (WSPS) top cable cutter assembly installed. This AD requires reworking or replacing the top cable cutter assembly to increase clearance between the WSPS and the main rotor (M/R) blades and requires that the reworked or replaced part be marked at the end of the part number to reflect the field modification. This AD was prompted by a report of in-flight contact between the top cable-cutter assembly and two M/R blades. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent damage to the M/R blades and subsequent loss of helicopter control.