[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 82 (Friday, April 29, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9990]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 29, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-46-AD; Amendment 39-8898; AD 94-09-09]

 

Airworthiness Directives; SAAB Aircraft Model SAAB SF340A and 
SAAB 340B Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain SAAB Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B 
airplanes. This action requires installation of a placard in the 
cockpit that informs the flight crew of the prohibition against moving 
the power levers below ``flight idle'' (beta mode) when the airplane is 
airborne. This amendment is prompted by an incident during which a 
Model SAAB 340B airplane, that was in ``beta mode'' for a short 
duration during descent, lost all engine power. The action specified in 
this AD is intended to prevent engine overspeed and the resultant loss 
of engine power.

DATES: Effective May 16, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 16, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 28, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No.94-NM-46-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056. The service information referenced in this AD 
may be obtained from SAAB Aircraft AB, SAAB Aircraft Product Support, 
S-581 88, Linkoping, Sweden. This information may be examined at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Quam, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2145; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Recently, the FAA has received a report that 
a SAAB Model SAAB 340B airplane lost all engine power during descent. 
In this incident, the flight crew managed to land the airplane with no 
turbine power. However, the airplane ran off the end of the runway and 
sustained damage in the process. The flight data recorder from this 
airplane revealed that the power levers were set below ``flight idle'' 
(beta mode) for approximately eight seconds during the airplane's 
descent from 9,200 feet altitude. Further, the FAA has received reports 
of other incidents in which operators of Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 
340B airplanes have selected ``beta mode'' either inadvertently or 
intentionally during flight.
    The FAA has determined that if the flight crew moves the power 
levels below ``flight idle'' (beta mode) when the airplane is airborne, 
the propeller will go into a low pitch angle and the propeller speed 
may increase uncontrollably. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in engine overspeed and the resultant loss of engine power.
    SAAB Aircraft has issued Service Bulletin 340-76-033, dated March 
31, 1994, that describes procedures for installation of a placard in 
the cockpit of certain Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B airplanes. The 
placard informs the flight crew of the prohibition against moving the 
power levers below ``flight idle'' (beta mode) when the airplane is 
airborne.
    These airplane models are manufactured in Sweden and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the applicable 
bilateral airworthiness agreement. The FAA has reviewed all available 
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of 
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United 
States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent engine 
overspeed and the resultant loss of engine power. This AD requires 
installation of a placard in the cockpit of certain SAAB Model SAAB 
SF340A and SAAB 340B airplanes. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.
    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-NM-46-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-09-09 SAAB Aircraft AB: Amendment 39-8898. Docket 94-NM-46-AD.

    Applicability: Model SAAB SF340A airplanes having serial numbers 
004 through 159, inclusive; and SAAB 340B airplanes having serial 
numbers 160 through 379, inclusive; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent engine overspeed and the resultant loss of engine 
power, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, install 
a placard in the cockpit of the airplane to advise the flight crew 
of the prohibition against moving the power levers below ``flight 
idle'' (beta mode) when the airplane is airborne, in accordance with 
Saab Service Bulletin 340-76-033, dated March 31, 1994.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The installation shall be done in accordance with Saab 
Service Bulletin 340-76-033, dated March 31, 1994. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Saab Aircraft AB, Saab Aircraft 
Product Support, S-581 88, Linkoping, Sweden. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 16,1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-9990 Filed 4-28-94; 8:45 am]
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