[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 7, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13233]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 7, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-05; Amendment 39-8908; AD 94-10-01]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-E4 Series 
Propellers

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 Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3A/E10950() 
composite bladed propellers installed on but not limited to Beech Model 
1900D aircraft. This action requires installation of new propeller 
blade pitch change knob twelve point flange head attachment bolts, new 
preload plates, and new propeller blade pitch change knob brackets. 
This amendment is prompted by reports of 15 propeller blade pitch 
change knob screw failures found during routine maintenance. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent a severe propeller 
vibration in flight and possible loss of propeller pitch control.

DATES: Effective June 22, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 22, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 8, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-05, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634; 
telephone (513) 778-4200, fax (513) 778-4391. This information may be 
examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, room 232, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (708) 
294-7130, fax (708) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
received reports of 15 propeller blade pitch change knob screw failures 
found during routine maintenance on Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-
E4A-3A/E10950() composite bladed propellers installed on but not 
limited to Beech Model 1900D aircraft. The FAA also received pilot 
reports of vibration and unusual propeller noise, and additional 
reports of several incidents when the propeller would not go completely 
into the feather position after engine shutdown on the ground. 
Investigation into these incidents revealed a failed screw head had 
lodged in the internal pitch change mechanism. Investigation further 
reveals that the screws failed due to high cycle fatigue. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in a severe propeller 
vibration in flight and possible loss of propeller pitch control.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A190, dated 
January 17, 1994, that describes procedures for installation of new 
propeller blade pitch change knob twelve point flange head attachment 
bolts to replace the countersunk screws currently used, new preload 
plates, and new propeller blade pitch change knob brackets.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3A/
E10950() composite bladed propellers of the same type design, this 
airworthiness directive (AD) is being issued to prevent a severe 
propeller vibration in flight and possible loss of propeller pitch 
control. This AD requires installation of a design change to the 
propeller pitch change knob attachment. This installation consists of 
new propeller blade pitch change knob twelve point flange head 
attachment bolts to replace the countersunk screws currently used, new 
preload plates, and new propeller blade pitch change knob brackets. 
Propellers with serial numbers HJ199 and greater are excluded from this 
AD, as the propellers were modified during manufacturing. The actions 
are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin 
described previously.
    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 should 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-ANE-05.'' 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:

94-10-01 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-8908. Docket 94-ANE-
05.

    Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3A/E10950() 
propellers, except propellers with serial numbers HJ199 and greater, 
installed on but not limited to Beech Model 1900D aircraft.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent severe propeller vibration in flight and possible 
loss of propeller pitch control, accomplish the following:
    (a) Install new propeller blade pitch change knob twelve point 
flange head attachment bolts to replace the countersunk screws 
currently used, new preload plates, and new propeller blade pitch 
change knob brackets, in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A190, dated January 17, 1994, as 
follows:
    (1) For propellers with 800 or more hours time in service (TIS) 
since new on the effective date of this airworthiness directive 
(AD), or 800 or more hours TIS since the new pitch change knob 
screws were last installed in accordance with Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. ASB No. A184, dated July 19, 1993, or Hartzell Propeller Inc. 
ASB No. A184(A), dated December 2, 1993, install within 50 hours TIS 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For propellers with less than 800 hours TIS since new on the 
effective date of this AD, or less than 800 hours TIS since the new 
pitch change knob screws were last installed in accordance with 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. 184, dated July 19, 1993, or 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. A184(A), dated December 2, 1993, 
install prior to exceeding the later of:
    (i) 850 hours TIS since new; or
    (ii) 850 hours TIS since the new pitch change knob screws were 
last installed in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. 
184, dated July 19, 1993, or Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. 
A184(A), dated December 2, 1993;
    (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, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The installation shall be done in accordance with the 
following service document: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Document No.             Pages                Date             
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Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No.      1-4  January 12, 1994.             
 A190.                                                                  
                                ---------                               
      Total pages..............        4  ..............................
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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 Hartzell Propeller Inc., One 
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634; telephone (513) 778-4200, fax 
(513) 778-4391. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England 
Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 22, 1994.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 24, 1994.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-13233 Filed 6-6-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P