[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30433-30435]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14285]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-101-AD; Amendment 39-10044; AD 97-12-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 650 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 Cessna Model 650 airplanes. This action 
requires inspections to detect discrepancies of a certain wire bundle 
assembly and to detect discrepancies of the hydraulic pump suction line 
in the area above the baggage compartment; and corrective actions, if 
necessary. This AD also requires modification of the supports for the 
wire bundle cable assembly and the supports for the hydraulic pump 
suction line. This amendment is prompted by a report that, due to 
inadequate clearance, an alternating current (AC) wire chafed against 
the hydraulic pump suction line and caused electrical arcing. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such electrical 
arcing and consequent fire hazard.

DATES: Effective June 19, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 19, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 4, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-101-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. This 
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Wichita 
Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jose Flores, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 
946-4133; fax (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report of an in-
flight fire on a Cessna Model 650 airplane. The fire burned a hole 
(approximately 8 x 9 inches) in the right side of the fuselage and into 
the right engine pylon forward of the forward engine mount beam. The 
fire also burned another hole (approximately 2 feet in diameter) 
through the fuselage to the right side of the top centerline in the 
area above the aft baggage compartment. In addition, the fire burned 
into the empty fuel tank of the fuselage and consequently burned the 
upper portion of the fuel cell liner. All avionics equipment and wiring 
above the engine mount beams also were severely burned, which caused a 
number of systems to be inoperative for the remainder of the flight. 
Furthermore, the fire is also suspected of breaching the fuel line to 
the auxiliary power unit and consequently providing additional fuel to 
the fire.
    Investigation revealed that, due to inadequate clearance, the 
alternating current (AC) wire chafed against the hydraulic pump suction 
line in the area above the baggage compartment. Such chafing resulted 
in the electrical arcing of an AC wire and consequently led to the in-
flight fire. Subsequent ground testing, which simulated these 
conditions, confirmed that the subject electrical arcing could result 
in a fire.
    Inadequate clearance between the AC wire and the hydraulic pump 
suction line in the area above the baggage compartment, if not 
corrected, could result in electrical arcing and may lead to a 
potential fire hazard.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Cessna Citation Service Bulletin 
650-24-57, dated May 15, 1997. The service bulletin describes 
procedures for performing visual inspections to detect discrepancies of 
the wire bundle assembly from point 1 to point 2, and to detect 
discrepancies of the hydraulic pump suction line in the area above the 
baggage compartment; and corrective actions, if necessary. The service 
bulletin also describes procedures for modification of the supports for 
the wire bundle cable assembly and the supports for the hydraulic pump 
suction line. The modification involves installation of a clip and five 
clamps with associated hardware. Accomplishment of these actions will 
provide a positive separation between the AC wires and the hydraulic 
pump suction line above the baggage compartment.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on certain other Cessna Model 650 airplanes of the 
same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent electrical arcing 
of the AC wire and consequent fire hazard. This AD requires visual 
inspections to detect discrepancies of the wire bundle assembly from 
point 1 to point 2, and to detect discrepancies of the hydraulic pump 
suction line in the area above the baggage compartment; and corrective 
actions, if necessary. This AD also requires modification of the 
supports for the wire bundle cable assembly and the supports for the 
hydraulic pump suction line. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.

Differences Between the AD and the Relevant Service Information

    Operators should note that, unlike the recommended compliance time 
(i.e., during the next scheduled maintenance period or phase 
inspection) specified in the service bulletin for accomplishing the 
inspections and modification, this AD requires that affected airplanes 
be inspected and modified within 25 hours time-in-service after the 
effective date of the AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time 
for this action, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency 
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the 
susceptibility of electrical arcing of the AC wire, which could lead to 
a potential fire hazard. In addition, the FAA has reviewed the results 
of a survey

[[Page 30434]]

(conducted by Cessna) of 43 Cessna Model 650 airplanes. The results 
indicate that the AC wire rubbed or chafed against the hydraulic pump 
suction line on eight of these airplanes (18 percent). In light of 
these factors, the FAA finds the compliance time specified in the AD 
for accomplishing the required inspections and modification to be 
warranted, in that it represents the maximum amount of time allowable 
for the affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising 
safety.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    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 rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-101-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    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 that it 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), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-12-01 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10044. Docket 97-NM-
101-AD.

    Applicability: Model 650 airplanes, having serial numbers 650-
0174 through 650-0241 inclusive, 650-7001 through 650-7006 
inclusive, and 650-7008 through 650-7076 inclusive, certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been otherwise 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment 
of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition 
has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent electrical arcing of the alternating current wire and 
consequent fire hazard, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this 
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna 
Service Bulletin SB650-24-57, dated May 15, 1997.
    (1) Perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., 
improper clearance, wear, and damage) of the wire bundle assembly 
from point 1 to point 2, in accordance with the service bulletin. If 
any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, replace the 
wire bundle assembly with a new wire bundle assembly or install a 
spiral wrap, as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) Perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., 
chafing, rubbing, nicks, scratches, and burn marks) of the hydraulic 
pump suction line in the area above the baggage compartment, in 
accordance with the service bulletin. If any discrepancy is 
detected, prior to further flight, repair it in accordance with the 
service bulletin.
    (3) Modify the supports for the wire bundle cable assembly and 
the supports for the hydraulic pump suction line in accordance with 
the service bulletin.
    (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, Wichita Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Small 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, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (c) 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 airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The inspections and modification shall be done in accordance 
with Cessna Service Bulletin SB650-24-57, dated May 15, 1997. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal

[[Page 30435]]

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
Copies may be obtained from Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, 
Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, 
Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 19, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 27, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-14285 Filed 6-3-97; 8:45 am]
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