[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:
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Document No. Pages Date
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Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. 1-4 January 12, 1994.
A190.
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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