[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 9, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 627-629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-273]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-ANE-67; Amendment 39-9460, AD 95-26-02]
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Reciprocating Engines
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 Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines
installed on certain aircraft identified by registration numbers. This
action supersedes priority letter AD 94-14-13 that currently requires
engines certified to operate on 91 octane or higher aviation gasoline
(avgas) to undergo a teardown and analytical inspection for detonation
damage, and engines certified to operate on 80 octane avgas to undergo
inspection for evidence of possible internal engine damage. This action
revises incorrect engine model numbers and aircraft registration
numbers listed in the priority letter AD. This amendment is prompted by
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receiving more accurate
information concerning which aircraft were fueled with the contaminated
mixture at the affected airports. The actions specified by this AD are
intended to prevent detonation due to low octane, which can result in
severe engine damage and subsequent failure.
DATES: Effective January 24, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 24, 1996.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 11, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-ANE-67, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Textron Lycoming, Reciprocating Engine Division, 652 Oliver St.,
Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717) 327-7278, fax (717) 327-7022.
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: Locke Easton, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine and Propeller Standards Staff, FAA, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park; telephone (617) 238-7113,
fax (617) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 23, 1994, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive
(AD) 94-14-13, applicable to Textron Lycoming (formerly Avco Lycoming)
O-235-12C, O-235-L, O-320-A, O-320-B2C, O-320-E, O-320-E2A, O-320-E2D,
O-320-E20, O-320-D2J, O-320-D3G, O-320-H2AD, IO-320-B, IO-320-B, IO-
320-C, LO-320-A4K, LO-320-D1D, O-360-A, O-360-A4M, O-360-F, IO-360-A,
IO-360-BIB, IO-360-C, LO-360-A1A, LO-360-A1D, LIO-360-A1A, LIO-360-
A3B6D, TIO-360-C, TVO-435-AIA, O-540-E, O-540-C, O-540-J, IO-540-C, IO-
540-D, IO-540 E 290, IO-540-K, TIO-540-F, TIO-540-J, TIO-540-S, 165D-
540-B 380, and R-680 series reciprocating engines, installed on the
following U.S. registered aircraft: N1010F, N106RE, N1068M, N110MP,
N1285X, N1317P, N1344V, N14006, N15851, N1666C, N177DT, N1920F, N1928Q,
N20HT, N20NC, N20ND, N207X, N2040Q, N2128W, N2165M, N2185K, N2232Z,
N22874, N2300R, N2346G, N2394Q, N24395, N24627, N24860, N250M, N2555V,
N25562, N2578L, N2603Y, N26602, N28FG, N2811R, N2815F, N2817Q, N2819A,
N2848Q, N28683, N2927M, N2964K, N3060M, N32388, N33696, N34242, N36358,
N3737U, N37500, N3945K, N40ES, N40VF, N400JM, N4222J, N4293Y, N4316T,
N4320F, N4497U, N4515P, N4602S, N4674S, N4687P, N47SG, N4796V, N47964,
N48ES, N494FL, N5199U, N52015, N5217L, N5254K, N5344K, N5418W, N54228,
N54661, N5547Q, N55521, N56GS, N56884, N59850, N6005Z, N6045M, N61569,
N6239H, N62801, N6286W, N6297V, N63R, N6370P, N6412D, N64120, N6480D,
N6483Q, N6493Q, N65425, N671A, N67615, N67975, N68SC, N68937, N6905V,
N7ZX, N70416, N71RJ, N711PG, N714ZU, N7157V, N7195G, N7213P, N7230F,
N7230Q, N7248H, N73064, N733WH, N734TA, N7361R, N737CM, N737NV, N738GX,
N738KC, N738KF, N738KK, N738RC, N738ZL, N739RF, N75381, N755GA, N756RV,
N757SK, N757SX, N757TU, N7724M, N777EE, N78887, N78901, N7894V, N792BW,
N804EH, N8070P, N8094Q, N81RP, N81203, N8144G, N8149E, N8184X, N8201B,
N82182, N8223W, N8264W, N8286W, N8306D, N8372L, N8494E, N8537J, N8579H,
N8691Y, N8810P, N8961P, N9114H, N9140J, N9157S, N9296P, N9407K, N9444R,
N9451B, N95WT, N9574L, N96TB, N96134, N9666V, N9673L, N9728U, N9783L,
N9808J and N9864C. That action requires teardown and analytical
inspection for engines certified to operate on 91 or higher octane
aviation gasoline (avgas), and differential compression test and
examination of the oil filter for engines certified to operate on 80
octane avgas. That action was prompted by reports of reports of
aviation gasoline (avgas) being contaminated by Jet A fuel. After
investigation, the source of the contamination has been determined to
be the refiner of the avgas. Through its distribution system, the
refiner inadvertently caused Jet A fuel to be loaded into distribution
tanks intended for avgas. Contaminated avgas from these distribution
tanks was then shipped to local fuel distributors. The FAA has
determined that aircraft with certain Textron Lycoming engines
installed were fueled with this contaminated mixture between May 22 and
June 2, 1994, at Sacramento Executive (SAC) airport, or between May 18
and June 2, 1994, at Sacramento Metro (SMF) airport. The list of U.S.
[[Page 628]]
registered aircraft specified in the applicability paragraph of this AD
is based on investigation of fueling records secured from the two
affected airports, which the FAA has determined to represent the
population of affected engines. That condition, if not corrected, could
result in detonation due to low octane, which can result in severe
engine damage and subsequent failure.
This AD requires engines certified to operate on 91 octane or
higher avgas to undergo a teardown and analytical inspection for
detonation damage, and engines certified to operate on 80 octane avgas
to undergo inspection for evidence of possible internal engine damage.
Engineering analysis of operating these engines with avgas contaminated
with Jet A fuel indicates that actual damage to the engine may range
from unnoticeable to very severe, according to the duration of run,
engine power level, and level of contamination. Damage may be
characterized by increased operating temperatures resulting in damaged
intake valves and burned pistons, and excessive loads imposed by
detonation. Since internal damage may not be assessed by any other
method, engines certified to operate on 91 octane or higher avgas must
undergo a teardown and analytical inspection and any parts showing
signs of detonation damage must be replaced. Investigation revealed the
lowest octane level of the contaminated fuel to be 83 octane, therefore
engines certified to operate on 80 octane avgas need not undergo a
teardown and analytical inspection unless evidence of internal engine
damage is present by the required differential compression test and
examination of the oil filter for metal particles. The refiner has
advised the FAA that it may pay for any reasonable expense associated
with the inspection and/or disassembly in accordance with the
mechanic's and manufacturer's recommendations.
Since the issuance of that priority letter AD, the FAA has received
more accurate information concerning which aircraft were fueled with
the contaminated mixture at the affected airports. This AD therefore
corrects certain engine model numbers and aircraft registration numbers
for aircraft that were fueled with the contaminated mixture.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of: Avco
Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 398, dated April 30, 1976, that
specifies that reciprocating engines operated with lower octane than
that approved for the engine or contaminated with Jet A fuel should
undergo a teardown and analytical inspection as the engine could
sustain damage that cannot be assessed by any other method; and Avco
Lycoming Service Instruction (SI) No. 1191, dated March 31, 1972, that
describes procedures for differential compression tests.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other engines of this same type design, this AD
supersedes priority letter AD 94-14-13 to revise incorrect engine model
numbers and aircraft registration numbers listed in the priority letter
AD. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the
service documents 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 95-ANE-67.'' 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 part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40101, 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
95-26-02 Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-9460. Docket No. 95-ANE-67.
Supersedes AD 94-14-13.
Applicability: Textron Lycoming (formerly Avco Lycoming) O-235-
12C, O-235-L, O-320-A, O-320-B2C, O-320-E, O-320-E2A, O-320-E2D, O-
320-E20, O-320-D2J, O-320-D3G, O-320-H2AD, IO-320-B, IO-320-B, IO-
320-C, LO-320-A4K, LO-320-D1D, O-360-A, O-360-A4M, O-360-F, IO-360-
A,
[[Page 629]]
IO-360-BIB, IO-360-C, LO-360-A1A, LO-360-A1D, LIO-360-A1A, LIO-360-
A3B6D, TIO-360-C, TVO-435-AIA, O-540-E, O-540-C, O-540-J, IO-540-C,
IO-540-D, IO-540 E 290, IO-540-K, TIO-540-F, TIO-540-J, TIO-540-S,
and R-680 series reciprocating engines, installed on the following
U.S. registered aircraft: N1004V, N1010F, N106RE, N1068M, N110MP,
N1285X, N1317P, N1344V, N14006, N15851, N1666C, N177DT, N1920F,
N1928Q, N20HT, N20NC, N20ND, N207X, N2040Q, N2128W, N2165M, N2185K,
N2232Z, N22874, N2300R, N2346G, N2394Q, N24395, N24627, N24860,
N250M, N2555V, N25562, N2578L, N2603Y, N26602, N28FG, N2811R,
N2815F, N2817Q, N2819A, N2848Q, N28683, N2927M, N2964K, N3060M,
N32388, N33696, N34242, N36358, N3737U, N37500, N3945K, N40ES,
N40VF, N400JM, N4222J, N4293Y, N4316T, N4320F, N4497U, N4515P,
N46GS, N4602S, N4674S, N4687P, N47SG, N4796V, N47964, N48ES, N494FL,
N5199U, N52015, N5217L, N5254K, N5344K, N5418W, N54228, N54661,
N5547Q, N55521, N56884, N59850, N6005Z, N6045M, N61569, N6239H,
N62801, N6286W, N6297V, N63R, N6370P, N6412D, N6480D, N6483Q,
N6493Q, N65425, N671A, N67615, N67975, N68SC, N68937, N6905V, N7ZX,
N70416, N71RJ, N711PG, N714ZU, N7157V, N7195G, N7213P, N7230F,
N7230Q, N7248H, N73064, N733WH, N734TA, N7361R, N737CM, N737NV,
N738GX, N738KC, N738KF, N738RC, N738ZL, N739RF, N75381, N755GA,
N756RV, N757SK, N757SX, N757TU, N7724M, N777EE, N78887, N78901,
N7894V, N792BW, N804EH, N8070P, N8094Q, N81RP, N81203, N8144G,
N8149E, N8184X, N8201B, N82182, N8223W, N8264W, N8306D, N8372L,
N8494E, N8537J, N8579H, N8691Y, N8810P, N8961P, N9140J, N9157S,
N9296P, N9407K, N9444R, N9451B, N95WT, N9574L, N96TB, N96134,
N9666V, N9673L, N9728U, N9783L, N9808J and N9864C.
Note: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine
identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of
whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area
subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the
authority provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This approval may address
either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe
condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe
condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an
assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe
condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any
modification, alteration, or repair remove any engine from the
applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent detonation due to low octane, which can result in
severe engine damage and subsequent failure, accomplish the
following:
(a) For engines that are certified to operate on only 91 or
higher octane aviation gasoline (avgas) within the next 2 hours time
in service (TIS) after the effective date of this airworthiness
directive (AD) perform an engine teardown and analytical inspection,
and replace with serviceable parts as necessary in accordance with
Avco Lycoming Service Bulletin (SB) No. 398, dated April 30, 1976.
(b) For engines that are certified to operate on 80 octane
avgas, within the next 2 hours TIS after the effective date of this
AD conduct a differential compression test on all cylinders in
accordance with Avco Lycoming Service Instruction (SI) No. 1191,
dated March 31, 1972, and examine the oil filter by cutting the oil
filter apart and spreading the filter paper out to look for metal
particles. If metal particles are present, or if one or more
cylinders shows unacceptable compression as specified in Avco
Lycoming SI No. 1191, dated March 31, 1972, perform an engine
teardown and analytical inspection, and replace with serviceable
parts as necessary in accordance with Avco Lycoming SB No. 398,
dated April 30, 1976.
(c) 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, Engine and Propeller Standards
Staff. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards Staff.
Note: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Engine and Propeller Standards
Staff.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following Avco Lycoming service documents:
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Document No. Page Revision Date
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SB No. 398.................... 1 Original.... April 30, 1976.
Total pages: 1............
SI No. 1191................... 1-2 Original.... March 31, 1972.
Total pages: 2............
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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 Textron Lycoming, Reciprocating
Engine Division, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone
(717) 327-7278, fax (717) 327-7022. 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.
(f) This amendment supersedes priority letter AD 94-14-13,
issued June 23, 1994.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on January 24, 1996.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 5, 1995.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-273 Filed 1-8-96; 8:45 am]
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