[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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