[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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         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............                                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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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