[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 18 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4160-4161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1742]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-35-AD; Amendment 39-10289; AD 98-02-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-
3(A,I) 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-3(A,I) 
propellers. This action requires replacing propeller blade 
counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts. This amendment is 
prompted by reports of a manufacturing defect in the counterweight 
clamp bolts that resulted in the blade counterweight separating and 
causing damage to the propeller. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result 
in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller 
and aircraft.

DATES: Effective February 12, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 12, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 30, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-35-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 
Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, 
ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. 
This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office 
of the Regional 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: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7031, 
fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
has received a report that a Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-
3(A,I) propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt broke, the propeller 
blade counterweight separated in flight and damaged the adjacent 
propeller blade (about 12 inches from the hub). The investigation 
revealed that the propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt failure was 
caused by a manufacturing defect known as liquid metal embrittlement. 
The manufacturer has informed the FAA that all propellers operated on 
aircraft of U.S. registry have accomplished the required actions, and, 
therefore, are no longer affected by this unsafe condition. This AD, 
then, is necessary to require accomplishment of the required actions 
for propellers installed on aircraft currently of foreign registry that 
may some day be imported into the U.S. Accordingly, the FAA has 
determined that notice and prior opportunity for comment are 
unnecessary and good cause exists for making this amendment effective 
in less than 30 days. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade 
counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (ASB) No. HC-ASB-61-219, 
Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996, that describes procedures for replacing 
propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design, this AD 
is being issued to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure. This AD 
requires replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with 
improved bolts. The actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the SB 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.

[[Page 4161]]

    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-35-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:

98-02-07  Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-10289. Docket 97-
ANE-35-AD.

    Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) 
propellers with serial numbers HJ1 to HJ654, installed on but not 
limited to Raytheon Beech 1900D series aircraft.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each 
propeller 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 propellers 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 counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in 
propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller 
and aircraft, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 45 days or 400 hours time in service (TIS) after the 
effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first, identify and 
replace defective propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with 
improved bolts in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. HCA-SB-61-219, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996.
    (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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: 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 
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 Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB:

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           Document No.              Pages  Revision         Date       
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HC-ASB-61-219.....................     1-8        1   July 2, 1996.     
  Total pages:                          8.                              
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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, ATTN: Product Support; 
telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
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 February 12, 1998.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 9, 1998.
James C. Jones,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1742 Filed 1-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U