[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 201 (Friday, October 17, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53935-53937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27350]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-38-AD; Amendment 39-10160; AD 97-21-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. (Formerly Textron 
Lycoming) Model T5313B, T5317A, and T53 (Military) Turboshaft Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) Model 
T5313B, T5317A, and T53 series military turboshaft engines approved for 
installation on aircraft certified in accordance with Section 21.25 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). This action requires a one-time 
visual inspection of accessory drive carrier assemblies for affected 
serial numbers (S/Ns) designating a defective assembly, and if the S/N 
is applicable, replacement with a serviceable assembly. This amendment 
is prompted by a report of an N2 overspeed condition due to a defective 
accessory drive carrier assembly. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent accessory drive carrier assembly failure, which 
could result in an N2 overspeed and an uncontained engine failure.

DATES: Effective November 3, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 3, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 16, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-38-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected]''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain 
the docket number in the subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
AlliedSignal Aerospace, Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, 
P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493, fax 
(602) 365-5577. 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: Ray Vakili, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5262, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration has 
received a report of an N2 overspeed condition on an AlliedSignal Inc. 
(formerly Textron Lycoming) Model T5317A-1 turboshaft engine. The 
investigation revealed that the N2 overspeed condition was caused when 
the N2 overspeed governor bevel gear, which is part of the accessory 
drive carrier and cap assembly, shifted out of position. This gear 
shifting out of position was determined to be due to improper 
manufacturing of the accessory drive carrier and cap assembly, Part 
Number (P/N) 1-070-210-01, which is installed on the higher level 
assembly, accessory drive carrier assembly, P/N 1-070-220-03, 1-070-
220-12, or 1-070-220-13. All accessory drive carrier assemblies, P/Ns 
1-070-220-03, 1-070-220-12, and 1-070-220-13, installed after November 
1, 1985, and have been identified by serial number (S/N) are subject to 
this inspection. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
accessory drive carrier assembly failure, which could result in an N2 
overspeed and an uncontained engine failure.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. T5313B/17A-A0092, 
Revision 1, dated July 1, 1997; ASB No. T53-L-13B-A0092, dated June 4, 
1997; and ASB No. T53-L-703-A0092, dated June 4, 1997. These ASBs 
describe procedures for performing a one-time visual inspection of 
accessory drive carrier assemblies for affected S/Ns designating a 
defective assembly, and if the S/N is applicable, replacement with a 
serviceable assembly.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent accessory drive carrier assembly failure. This 
AD requires a one-time visual inspection of accessory drive carrier 
assemblies for affected S/Ns designating a potentially defective 
assembly, and if the S/N is applicable, replacement with a serviceable 
assembly. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the ASBs 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

[[Page 53936]]

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 97-ANE-38-AD.'' 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), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

97-21-07  AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-10160. Docket 97-ANE-38-
AD.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Textron Lycoming) 
Model T5313B, T5317A, and T53 series military turboshaft engines 
approved for installation on aircraft certified in accordance with 
Section 21.25 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), with 
accessory drive carrier assemblies, Part Numbers (P/Ns) 1-070-220-
03, 1-070-220-12, and 1-070-220-13, that were installed after 
November 1, 1985, and have serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in 
AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs) No. T5313B/17A-
A0092, Revision 1, dated July 1, 1997; ASB No. T53-L-13B-A0092, 
dated June 4, 1997; or ASB No. T53-L-703-A0092, dated June 4, 1997. 
These engines are installed on but not limited to Bell Helicopter 
Textron Model 205A-1 and 205B series helicopters, Kaman Aircraft 
Corporation K-1200 series helicopters, and military helicopters 
certified in accordance with Section 21.25 of the FAR.

    Note 1: A shipping records, engine logbooks, work orders, and 
parts invoices check may allow an owner or operator to determine if 
this AD applies.
    Note 2: 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 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 accessory drive carrier assembly failure, which could 
result in an N2 overspeed and an uncontained engine failure, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 100 hours time in service (TIS), or 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish 
the following in accordance with AlliedSignal Inc. ASB No. T5313B/
17A-A0092, Revision 1, dated July 1, 1997; ASB No. T53-L-13B-A0092, 
dated June 4, 1997; and ASB No. T53-L-703-A0092, dated June 4, 1997, 
as applicable:
    (1) Visually inspect to determine if the accessory drive carrier 
assembly is marked with an affected S/N listed in the applicable 
ASBs.
    (2) If the accessory drive carrier assembly is not marked with 
an affected S/N listed in the applicable ASB, no further action is 
required.
    (3) If the accessory drive carrier assembly is marked with an 
affected S/N listed in the applicable ASB, or the serial number 
cannot be positively determined, remove the accessory drive carrier 
assembly from service and replace with a serviceable assembly.
    (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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (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 aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following AlliedSignal Inc. ASBs:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document No.                 Pages           Revision                          Date              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T5313B/17A-A0092.........................     1-7  1.........................  July 1, 1997.                    
Total pages: 7                                                                                                  
T53-L-13B-A0092..........................     1-7  Original..................  June 4, 1997.                    
Total pages: 7                                                                                                  

[[Page 53937]]

                                                                                                                
T53-L-703-A0092..........................     1-7  Original..................  June 4, 1997.                    
Total pages: 7                                                                                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 AlliedSignal Aerospace, Attn: 
Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 
85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493, fax (602) 365-5577. 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 November 3, 1997.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 8, 1997.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-27350 Filed 10-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U