[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 90 (Monday, May 11, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25781-25787]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12353]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 90 / Monday, May 11, 1998 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 25781]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-27-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming and Teledyne 
Continental Motors Reciprocating Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Textron Lycoming and 
Teledyne Continental Motors reciprocating engines that had crankshafts 
repaired by Nelson Balancing Service, Repair Station Certificate No. 
NB7R820J, Bedford, Massachusetts. This proposal would require removal 
from service of affected crankshafts, or a visual inspection, magnetic 
particle inspection, and dimensional check of the crankshaft journals, 
and, if necessary, rework or removal from service of affected 
crankshafts and replacement with serviceable parts. This proposal is 
prompted by reports of crankshafts exhibiting heat check cracking of 
the nitrided bearing surfaces which led to crankshaft cracking and 
subsequent failure. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to prevent crankshaft failure due to cracking, which could 
result in an inflight engine failure and possible forced landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-27-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. Comments may be inspected at 
this location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rocco Viselli, Aerospace Engineer 
(assigned to Textron Lycoming), New York Aircraft Certification Office, 
FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth St., 3rd Floor, Valley 
Stream, NY 11581-1200; telephone (516) 256-7531, fax (516) 568-2716; or 
Jerry Robinette, Aerospace Engineer (assigned to Teledyne Continental 
Motors), Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, One Crown Center, Suite 450, 
Atlanta, GA 30349; telephone (770) 703-6096, fax (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal 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 98-ANE-27-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-27-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of 
crankshafts installed in certain Textron Lycoming and Teledyne 
Continental Motors (TCM) reciprocating engines cracking after repair by 
Nelson Balancing Service, Repair Stations Certificate No. NB7R820J, 
Bedford, Massachusetts. The investigation revealed that the crankshafts 
exhibit heat check cracking of the nitrided bearing surfaces. The 
cracking of the nitride surface is believed to be due to improper 
grinding procedures. Grinding occurred as part of the engine overhaul 
process. Improper grinding can result in overheating the crankshaft, 
which, in turn, results in cracking of the nitride surface. If the 
crankshaft is returned to service with the nitride surface cracked, the 
crankshaft will fail. The cracks occur in the forward and/or aft fillet 
of the main bearing journals and/or crankpin journals. The time to 
failure depends on the severity of the cracking but the crankshaft will 
not complete the overhaul cycle. There have been 28 cases of 
crankshafts installed on certain Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines 
that have been classified as cracked, 3 broken, and 2 later rejected by 
Nelson Balancing Service; and 3 reports of crankshaft failure and 7 
cases of crankshafts being rejected when reinspected, due to heat check 
cracking, on certain TCM engines. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in crankshaft failure due to cracking, which could result 
in an inflight engine failure and possible forced landing.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require removal from service of affected crankshafts, 
or a visual inspection, magnetic particle inspection, and dimensional 
check of the crankshaft journals, and, if necessary, rework or removal 
from service of affected crankshafts and replacement with serviceable 
parts.

[[Page 25782]]

    There are approximately 250,000 engines of the designs listed in 
the applicability section of this AD in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 200,000 of those engines are installed on aircraft of U. 
S. registry. Of these it is estimated that 30% or 60,000 engines will 
have had an overhaul in the time frame of interest; however, only 291 
would be required to take compliance action. Of this 60,000 it is 
estimated that 10,000 will require removal of the propeller spinner to 
determine applicability of the AD. The cost associated with the spinner 
removal/replacement is estimated to be $60 per work hour average labor 
rate times one hour. It will take approximately 90 work hours per 
engine to accomplish the proposed action and the average labor rate is 
$60 per work hour. Required parts would cost $115 per engine for 
gaskets, seals, etc. In addition, it is estimated that half of the 291 
affected engines can be reworked at a cost of $1,800 per engine and 
that the other half of the 291 affected engines will be rejected, plus 
purchasing another crankshaft which will cost $4,000 per engine. Based 
on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $3,048,765.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, 
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under 
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental Motors: Docket No. 98-ANE-
27-AD.

    Applicability: Textron Lycoming (LYC) O-235, O-235-C1, -235-C2C, 
O-235-L2C, O-235-N2C, O-290, O-290-D2, 0-320, O-320-A, O-320-A1A, O-
320-A2B, O-320-B2B, O-320-B2C, O-320-D2J, O-320-D3G, O-320-E2A, O-
320-E2D, O-320-E2G, O-320-E3D, -320-H2AD, O-360, O-360-A1A, O-360-
A1D, O-360-A3A, O-360-A4A, O-360-A4K, O-360-B1B, IO-360-F1A6, AEIO-
320-E1B, HIO-360-C1A, IO-320, IO-320-B1A, IO-360, IO-360-A1A, IO-
360-A1B6, IO-360-B1E, IO-360-C, IO-360-CIC, IO-360-C1C6, IO-360-
C1D6, IO-360-D, O-540-A1B5, O-540-A1D5, O-540-R2AD, IO-540, IO-540-
C4B5, IO-540-S1A5, TIO-540-A2, LIO-320-C1A, LIO-360-C1E6, and O-720 
reciprocating engines; and Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) A-65, 
A65-3, A65-8, A75, A75-8, C75-12, C85, C85-8, C85-12, C90-8FJ, C90-
12, O-200, O-200-A, O-300, O-300-D, IO-360-C, E-185-4, E-225-8, O-
470, O-470-K, O-470-L, O-470-R, O-470-11, IO-470, IO-470-N, IO-470-
S, IO-520, IO-520-D, GTSIO-520, and TSIO-520-VB reciprocating 
engines, with installed crankshafts repaired by Nelson Balancing 
Service, Bedford, Massachusetts, Repair Station Certificate No. 
NB7R820J, between February 1, 1995, and December 31, 1997, 
inclusive, as listed (by work order (W/O)) in Table 1 of this AD.

                                                     Table 1                                                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Engine                         Model                   W/O           Date           Engine SER#     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LYC...........................  AEIO-320-E1B                 1134                2/17/96  L-5653-55A            
LYC...........................  HIO-360-C1A                  1155                 2/7/96  L-12126-51A           
LYC...........................  IO-320                       1141                1/17/96                        
LYC...........................  IO-320-B1A                   1525               11/14/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360                       1314               12/17/96                        
LYC...........................  IO-360                       IN6137               8/7/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360-A1A                   1230                6/10/96  L-474-51              
LYC...........................  IO-360-A1A                   1289               10/23/96  L-4085-5174           
LYC...........................  IO-360-A1A                   1415b               5/23/97  RL-3920-51A           
LYC...........................  IO-360-A1B6                  1463                7/31/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360-B1E                   1312               12/12/96  L-4453-51A            
LYC...........................  IO-360-C                     1146                1/23/96  R-51448-9-C           
LYC...........................  IO-360-C1C                   1336                2/10/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360-C1C                   1518                12/9/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360-C1C6                  1530               11/25/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360-C1C6                  1537                12/9/97  L-19294-51A           
LYC...........................  IO-360-C1D6                  1286                4/28/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360-D                     1540                12/2/97                        
LYC...........................  IO-360-F1A6                  1176                 3/7/96  L-27423-36A           
LYC...........................  IO-540                       1014                 2/8/95                        
LYC...........................  IO-540                       1056                6/13/95                        
LYC...........................  IO-540                       1302                12/5/96                        
LYC...........................  IO-540-C4B5                  1313               12/17/96  L-19547-48            
LYC...........................  IO-540-S1A5                  1513               10/27/97  L-19597-48A           
LYC...........................  IVO-435-G1A                  1271                                               
LYC...........................  LIO-320-C1A                  1158                 2/8/96                        
LYC...........................  LIO-360-C1E6                 1280                10/7/96                        

[[Page 25783]]

                                                                                                                
LYC...........................  LIO-360-C1E6                 1281                10/9/96                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1013                2/21/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1051                 6/2/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1054                 6/9/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1057                6/14/95  L-9041-15             
LYC...........................  O-235                        1058                6/29/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1060                6/30/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1069                8/10/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1110                2/20/96                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1145                1/23/96                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1151                1/25/96                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1160                 2/9/96  RL-24636-15           
LYC...........................  O-235                        1305                12/5/96  L-22542-15            
LYC...........................  O-235                        1329                2/11/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1332                2/11/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235                        1481                 9/2/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-C1                     1089                10/8/95  L-6475-15             
LYC...........................  O-235-C1                     1188                 4/2/96  L-7143-15             
LYC...........................  O-235-C1                     1335                3/12/97  L-5569-15             
LYC...........................  O-235-C1                     1367                3/24/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-C2C                    1019                2/24/95  L-12284-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-C2C                    1040                 5/8/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235-C2C                    1105                12/1/95  L-12273-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1030                 4/6/95  L-14545-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1036                4/24/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1037                4/24/95  L-23012-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1050                 6/2/95  L-15542-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1062                 7/5/95  L-18306-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1067                 8/8/95                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1070                8/10/95  L-16005-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1095               11/14/95  RL-023227-15          
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1101                11/4/95  L-15300-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1102               11/15/95  L-20183-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1162                2/14/96  L-16114-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1179                3/11/96  L-21215-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1219                5/16/96  L-21215-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1251                8/22/96                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1285               10/19/96                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1365                3/24/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1400                4/28/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1414                 8/5/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1417                12/5/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1433                6/26/97  L-17074-15            
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1435                 6/9/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1504               10/31/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1508               11/18/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1524               11/12/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    1536               11/24/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-L2C                    2010               11/19/97                        
LYC...........................  O-235-N2C                    1511               10/29/97  L-23857-15            
LYC...........................  O-290                        1257                 9/4/96                        
LYC...........................  O-290                        1326                3/26/97                        
LYC...........................  O-290-D2                     1082                9/26/95  L-6019-21             
LYC...........................  O-320                        1018                2/22/95                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1024                3/17/95                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1038                 5/3/95  L-39272-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320                        1045                5/24/95                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1084                9/28/95                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1116                 1/8/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1125                 1/8/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1169                2/28/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1175                 3/7/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1184                3/28/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1189                8/27/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1202                4/30/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1212                5/10/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1283               10/17/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1316               12/21/96                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1340                2/25/97  L-24367               
LYC...........................  O-320                        1347                2/18/97                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1360                3/10/97                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1361                3/10/97                        

[[Page 25784]]

                                                                                                                
LYC...........................  O-320                        1436                5/29/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320                        1468                8/14/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320                        1474                8/22/97  L-13130-39A           
LYC...........................  O-320                        1477                9/13/97                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1477                9/13/97                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1507                                               
LYC...........................  O-320                        1519               11/21/97                        
LYC...........................  O-320                        1546                12/7/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320                        1171                 3/1/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-A                      1192                4/13/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-A                      1194                4/13/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-A                      1196                4/13/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-A1A                    1244                8/13/96  L-5270-27             
LYC...........................  O-320-A2B                    1081                9/22/95  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-A2B                    1461                 9/9/97  L-12626-27            
LYC...........................  O-320-B2B                    1452                7/10/97  L-2977-39             
LYC...........................  O-320-B2C                    1315               12/17/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-D2J                    1172                 3/4/96  L-13039-39A           
LYC...........................  O-320-D2J                    1173                 3/7/96  L-123412-39A          
LYC...........................  O-320-D2J                    1253                 9/4/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-D2J                    1534               11/25/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-D2J                    1539                12/3/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-D3G                    1077                9/17/95  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-D3G                    1114                 1/8/96  L-10983-39A           
LYC...........................  O-320-D3G                    1354                2/25/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-D3G                    1370                3/26/97  H45247                
LYC...........................  O-320-D3G                    1544                12/3/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2A                    1103               11/10/95  L-26363-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2A                    1191                4/13/96  L-19377-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2A                    1317               12/21/96  L-15219-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2A                    1439                 6/9/97  L-38003-55A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1068                8/10/95  L-35528-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1078                9/17/95  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1177                 3/9/96  L-44732-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1181                3/14/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1241                 8/9/96  L-42691-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1245                8/13/96  L-40483-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1260                 9/9/96  L-15300-15            
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1343                2/17/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1346                 3/2/97  L-44320-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1385                4/16/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1458                7/18/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1533               11/25/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2D                    1549               12/12/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E2G                    1338                3/10/97  L-38264-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E3D                    1034                4/18/95  L-29668-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E3D                    1074                8/24/95  L-29495-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-E3D                    1431                 6/9/97  L-33770-27A           
LYC...........................   O-320-E3D                   1444                6/13/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-320-E3D                    1500                10/7/97  L-33841-27A           
LYC...........................  O-320-H2AD                   1322                1/22/97  L-1530-78T            
LYC...........................  O-360                        1025                3/17/95                        
LYC...........................  O-360                        1157                 2/7/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360                        1199                4/18/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360                        1362                3/10/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360                        1386                4/17/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360                        1394                 5/6/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360                        1528               11/19/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360-A1A                    1170                2/28/96  L-20677-36A           
LYC...........................  O-360-A1A                    1214                5/14/96  L-20190-36A           
LYC...........................  O-360-A1A                    1239                 8/5/96  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360-A1D                    1411                 5/5/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360-A3A                    1531               11/25/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360-A4A                    1270                9/27/96  L-14008-36A           
LYC...........................  O-360-A4A                    1464                7/30/97  L-24796-36A           
LYC...........................  O-360-A4A                    1486                 9/6/97  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360-A4A                    1529                11/25/7  ......................
LYC...........................  O-360-A4K                    1166                2/22/96  L-26455-36A           
LYC...........................  O-360-B1B                    1262                 9/9/96  L-5261-51A            
LYC...........................  O-540-A1B5                   1129               12/29/95  ......................
LYC...........................  O-540-A1B5                   1132                 1/9/96  L-1165-40             
LYC...........................  O-540-A1D5                   1462                7/28/97  L-5661-40             

[[Page 25785]]

                                                                                                                
LYC...........................  O-720                        1510               10/26/97  ......................
LYC...........................  TIO-540-A2                   1064                7/13/95  ......................
LYC...........................  TIO-540-A2                   1111                1/10/96  ......................
LYC...........................  TIO-540-R2AD                 1106               11/27/95  L-5949-61A            
TCM...........................  A-65                         1152                1/25/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1154                 2/7/96  7187                  
TCM...........................  A-65                         1183                2/22/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1185                3/28/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1233                6/23/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1290               10/29/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1296               11/14/96  4933868               
TCM...........................  A-65                         1299               11/19/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1325                3/26/97  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1326                3/26/97  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1376                4/29/97  ......................
TCM...........................  A-65                         1438                6/17/97  5890178               
TCM...........................  A-65-3                       1243                8/13/96  324993                
TCM...........................  A-65-8                       1541                12/2/97  ......................
TCM...........................  A65-8                        1276                10/5/96  5762568               
TCM...........................  A75                          1156                 2/7/96  5321868               
TCM...........................  A75                          1255                 9/3/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A75                          1256                 9/4/96  ......................
TCM...........................  A75-8                        1275                10/5/96  5162868               
TCM...........................  C75-12F                      1293                11/4/96  3316-6-12             
TCM...........................  C85                          1088                10/4/95  ......................
TCM...........................  C85                          1092               10/18/95  ......................
TCM...........................  C-85                         1198                4/17/96  29652-7-8             
TCM...........................  C-85                         1297               11/14/96  ......................
TCM...........................  C-85                         1352                3/10/97  ......................
TCM...........................  C-85                         1381                4/28/97  ......................
TCM...........................  C-85                         1391                4/19/97  ......................
TCM...........................  C-85                         1392                4/19/97  ......................
TCM...........................  C-85                         1484                 9/4/97  28487-6-12            
TCM...........................  C-85-8FJ                     1139                1/17/96  29845-7-8             
TCM...........................  C-85-8FJ                     1420                5/12/97  29465-7-8             
TCM...........................  C-85-12                      1031                 4/6/95                        
TCM...........................  C-85-12                      1182                3/18/96  21596-6-12            
TCM...........................  C-85-12                      1217                5/15/96                        
TCM...........................  C-85-12                      1265                9/12/96  14657                 
TCM...........................  C-85-12                      1298               11/14/96  23610-6-12            
TCM...........................  C-90-8F                      1471                 9/6/97  42838-1-8             
TCM...........................  C-90-12                      1279                10/7/96  44747-6-12            
TCM...........................  E-185-4                      1124                1/16/96  25700D-1-9            
TCM...........................  E-225-8                      1505               10/28/97  35477-D-9-8-P         
TCM...........................  GTSIO-520                    1208                 5/7/96  210114-70H            
TCM...........................  IO-360-C                     1126               12/28/95  F-51439-9-C           
TCM...........................  IO-470                       1028                3/23/95  87329-R               
TCM...........................  IO-470-N                     1421                5/13/97  95271-1-N             
TCM...........................  IO-470-S                     1331                3/11/97  102412-2-S-I          
TCM...........................  IO-520                       1174                 3/4/96                        
TCM...........................  IO-520-D                     1167                2/22/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1033                4/18/95                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1043                5/12/95                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1049                 6/2/95                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1076                9/11/95  214668-27A            
TCM...........................  O-200                        1104               11/21/95  213830-71A            
TCM...........................  O-200                        1131                 1/5/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1142                1/18/96  265349-R              
TCM...........................  O-200                        1147                1/23/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1190                4/13/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1193                4/13/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1195                4/13/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1197                4/17/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1213                5/13/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1261                 9/9/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1303                12/5/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1321                 2/7/97  28115                 
TCM...........................  O-200                        1324                 2/6/97                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1344                 3/2/97                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1393                 5/5/97                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1413                 5/7/97  61001-5-4             
TCM...........................  O-200                        1430                5/23/97                        

[[Page 25786]]

                                                                                                                
TCM...........................  O-200                        1437                6/17/97  255759A-48            
TCM...........................  O-200                        1488                 9/7/97                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1506               11/18/97                        
TCM...........................  O-200                        1522               11/11/97                        
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1052                6/21/95  254150-A-48           
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1085                9/29/95                        
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1120               12/29/95  253971                
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1161                 2/9/96  24R-469               
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1215                5/15/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1240                 8/5/96  69589-8-A             
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1254                 9/3/96  6105-71-A-R           
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1264                9/12/96                        
TCM...........................  O-200-A                      1356                3/10/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300                        1027                3/20/95  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300                        1042                5/12/95  34012-D-6-D           
TCM...........................  O-300                        1083                9/26/95  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300                        1096               10/23/95  464481                
TCM...........................  O-300                        1137                1/17/96  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300                        1259                 9/4/96  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300                        1387                4/22/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300                        1397                4/26/97  5928-9A               
TCM...........................  O-300                        1403                4/28/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300                        1423                 6/9/97  3834D8Z               
TCM...........................  O-300                        1555                1/13/98  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300-A                      1446                6/27/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300-D                      1022                3/17/95  35110-D-6-D           
TCM...........................  O-300-D                      1079                9/17/95  24276-D-0-D           
TCM...........................  O-300-D                      1487                 9/6/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-300-D                      1543                12/3/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470                        1046                 6/1/95  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470                        1383                 4/4/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-11                     1017                2/22/95  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-11                     1491               10/19/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-11                     1492               10/19/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-11                     1493               10/19/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-11                     1494               10/19/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-F                      1236                7/25/96  76956-4-F             
TCM...........................  O-470-K                      1087                10/3/95  47172-6-K             
TCM...........................  O-470-L                      1128                1/10/96  68681-8-L             
TCM...........................  O-470-L                      1359                5/19/97  68245-8-L             
TCM...........................  O-470-L                      1399                4/28/97  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-R                      1016                2/10/95  133087-6-R            
TCM...........................  O-470-R                      1086                10/3/95  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-R                      1165                2/22/96  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-R                      1178                3/10/96  ......................
TCM...........................  O-470-R                      1201                 6/2/96  83164-1-R             
TCM...........................  O-470-R                      1319                 1/6/97  459408                
TCM...........................  TSIO-520-VB                  1055                 6/9/95  ......................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: Blank spaces indicate unknown data. Where the engine 
serial no. is blank in this table, it is either unknown or the 
crankshaft may not be installed in an engine.
    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 (c) 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 crankshaft failure due to cracking, which could 
result in an inflight engine failure and possible forced landing, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 10 hours time in service after the effective date of 
this AD, determine if this AD applies, as follows:
    (1) Determine if any repair was conducted on the engine that 
required crankshaft removal during the February 1, 1995, to December 
31, 1997, time frame; if the engine was not disassembled for 
crankshaft removal and repair in this time frame, no further action 
is required.
    (2) If the engine and crankshaft was repaired during this time 
frame, determine from the maintenance records (engine log book), and 
Table 1 of this AD if the crankshaft was repaired by Nelson 
Balancing Service, Repair Station Certificate No. NB7R820J, Bedford, 
Massachusetts. The maintenance records should contain the Return to 
Service (Yellow) tag for the crankshaft that will identify the 
company performing the repair. Also the work order number contained 
in Table 1 of this AD was etched on the crankshaft propeller flange, 
adjacent to the closest connecting rod journal. Because some etched 
numbers will be difficult to see, if necessary, use a 10X magnifying 
glass with an appropriate light source to view the work order 
number. In addition, the propeller spinner, if installed, will have 
to be removed in order to see this.
    (3) A person with a private pilot or higher rated certificate 
may make the determination of applicability of this AD provided the

[[Page 25787]]

propeller spinner does not have to be removed.
    (4) If it cannot be determined who repaired the crankshaft, 
compliance with this AD is required.
    (b) Within 10 hours time in service after the effective date of 
this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Perform a visual inspection as defined in paragraph (b)(2) 
of this AD, magnetic particle inspection, and a dimensional check of 
the crankshaft journals, or remove from service affected crankshafts 
and replace with serviceable parts.
    (2) For the purpose of this AD, a visual inspection of the 
crankshaft is defined as the inspection of all surfaces of the 
crankshaft for cracks which include heat check cracking of the 
nitrided bearing surfaces, cracking in the main or aft fillet of the 
main bearing journal and crankpin journal, including checking the 
bearing surfaces for scoring, galling, corrosion, or pitting.

    Note 3: Further guidance on all inspection and acceptance 
criteria is contained in applicable TCM or LYC Overhaul or 
Maintenance Manuals, or other FAA-approved data.

    (3) Replace any crankshaft that fails the visual inspection, 
magnetic particle inspection, or the dimensional check with a 
serviceable crankshaft, unless the crankshaft can be reworked to 
bring it in compliance with:
    (i) All the overhaul requirements of the appropriate TCM or LYC 
Overhaul/Maintenance Manuals; or
    (ii) All of the FAA-approved requirements for any repair station 
which currently has approval for limits other than those in the 
appropriate TCM or LYC Overhaul/Maintenance Manuals.
    (4) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable crankshaft is one 
which meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(3)(i) or (b)(3)(ii) of 
this AD.

    Note 4: Crankshafts removed from TCM engine models IO-360, IO-
520, and TSIO-520 series engines are also subject to compliance with 
AD 97-26-17.

    (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, New York (LYC) or Atlanta (TCM) 
Aircraft Certification Offices. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York or 
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Offices.

    Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta Aircraft Certification or 
New York Aircraft Certification Office, as applicable.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 1, 1998.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-12353 Filed 5-8-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U