[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 185 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50983-50986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25479]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-CE-84-AD; Amendment 39-10794; AD 98-19-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc. SA226 and
SA227 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-19-15, which was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Fairchild
Aircraft, Inc. (Fairchild) SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. The AD
applies to those airplanes that are equipped with Barber-Colman pitch
trim actuators, part number (P/N) 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-002.
This AD requires incorporating information into the Limitations Section
of the airplane flight manual (AFM) that imposes a speed restriction
and a minimum pilot requirement. The AD resulted from reports of two
incidents of abrupt movement of the horizontal stabilizer to or near
the full airplane nose-up position. These two incidents involved
mechanical failure of these Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to lessen the severity of
airplane pitch up caused by mechanical failure of the pitch trim
actuator, which could result in a pitch upset and structural failure of
the airplane.
DATES: Effective September 25, 1998, to all persons except those to
whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-19-15,
issued September 10, 1998, which contained the requirements of this
amendment.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before October 21, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
[[Page 50984]]
Attention: Rules Docket 98-CE-84-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from
Field Support Engineering, Fairchild Aircraft, PO Box 790490, San
Antonio, Texas 78279-0490. This information may also be examined at the
Rules Docket at the address above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ronald L. Filler, Flight Test
Pilot, FAA, Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5132; facsimile: (817)
222-5960.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On September 10, 1998, the FAA issued priority letter AD 98-19-15,
which applies to Fairchild SA226 and SA227 airplanes that are equipped
with Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators, P/N 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-
19008-002. That AD resulted from reports of two incidents of abrupt
movement of the horizontal stabilizer to or near the full airplane
nose-up position. These two incidents involved mechanical failure of
these Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators. In the latest incident, the
airplane experienced an upset that resulted in a 42-degree nose-up
pitch with the airspeed decreasing to 79 knots indicated airspeed
(IAS). The other incident was very similar to the one described above.
AD 98-19-15 requires incorporating the following information into
the applicable AFM:
``Limit the maximum indicated airspeed to maneuvering
airspeed (Va) as shown in the appropriate airplane flight manual
(AFM).''
and
``The minimum crew required is two pilots.''
The speed restriction is intended to assure that the airplane is at
a manageable speed while the pilots tend to the control forces that
would be present during a pitch up condition, and successfully operate
and land the airplane.
The two-pilot requirement is based on the comments received from
those that were involved in the investigation/analysis of the two
incidents. Both incidents were with two pilots in the airplane, and the
comments indicated that the forces involved required two pilots. When
the actuator fails in the full leading edge down position and the
actuator fails to retrim, the column forces exceed the temporary force
limits for one pilot. One pilot may not be able to sustain the forces
required to continue safe flight and landing. In addition, having two
pilots has proven beneficial in other cases of aircraft that have
sustained control system malfunctions resulting in high control forces
and/or limited control power. Two pilots also gives one a chance to
tune radios, read the navigation equipment, and communicate with air
traffic control, as needed.
Operators of SA226 and SA227 series airplanes, except for the
commuter category Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC airplanes, may avoid the
restrictions of this AD by installing an airworthy Simmonds-Precision
actuator, P/N DL5040M5 or P/N DL5040M6, in place of the affected
Barber-Colman actuator. The Simmonds-Precision actuators are not
approved for the Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC airplanes.
In addition, this AD does not affect AD 97-23-01, Amendment 39-
10188 (62 FR 5922, November 3, 1997). AD 97-23-01 still applies to all
SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with either Barber-Colman or
Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuators, and requires the following:
--Repetitively measuring the freeplay of the pitch trim actuator and
repetitively inspecting the actuator for rod slippage or ratcheting;
--Immediately replacing any actuator if certain freeplay limitations
are exceeded or rod slippage or ratcheting is evident; and,
--Eventually replacing the Simmonds-Precision actuators regardless of
the inspection results.
Relevant Service Information
Fairchild has issued the following service letters that specify
limiting the maximum indicated airspeed to maneuvering airspeed (Va) as
shown in the appropriate airplane flight manual (AFM), operating the
aircraft with two pilots, and other operating instructions, to lessen
the severity of airplane pitch up in case of failure of the subject
actuators:
Service Letter 226-SL-017, FAA Approved: August 26, 1998;
Revised: September 2, 1998.
Service Letter 227-SL-033, FAA Approved: August 26, 1998;
Revised: September 2, 1998.
Service Letter CC7-SL-023, FAA Approved: August 26, 1998;
Revised: September 2, 1998.
The FAA's Determination and Explanation of the AD
Since an unsafe condition was identified that is likely to exist or
develop in other Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes of
the same type design airplanes that are equipped with Barber-Colman
pitch trim actuators, part number (P/N) 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-
002, the FAA:
--Determined that immediate AD action should be taken to lessen the
severity of airplane pitch up caused by mechanical failure of the pitch
trim actuator, which could result in a pitch upset and structural
failure of the airplane; and
--Issued AD 98-19-15 as a priority letter on September 10, 1998.
Because of the seriousness of the issue and in order to assure the
continued airworthiness of the SA226 and SA227 series airplanes, the
FAA determined that the speed restriction and minimum pilot requirement
are necessary while a mechanical fix is being researched and developed
for the affected Barber-Colman pitch trim tab actuators.
At the present time, there is a design alternative to the Barber-
Colman pitch trim actuators for the affected airplanes, except for the
Models SA227-CC and SA227-DC airplanes. This alternative is the
Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuator, P/N DL5040M5 or P/N DL5040M6.
The goal is to find, approve, and eventually require a mechanical fix
for all of the SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with Barber-
Colman pitch trim actuators, instead of imposing the speed restriction
and minimum pilot requirement.
Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters
issued on September 10, 1998, to all known U.S. operators of Fairchild
SA226 and SA227 series airplanes that are equipped with Barber-Colman
pitch trim actuators, P/N 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-002. These
conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal
Register as an amendment to Sec. 39.13 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective as to all persons.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not
preceded by notice and opportunity to 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
[[Page 50985]]
Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address
specified above. 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 No. 98-CE-84-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 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, 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 a new airworthiness directive
(AD) to read as follows:
98-19-15 Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-10794; Docket No.
98-CE-84-AD.
Applicability: Models SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-AT, SA226-TC,
SA227-TT, SA227-AT, SA227-AC, SA227-BC, SA227-CC, and SA227-DC
airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category; that
are equipped with Barber-Colman pitch trim actuators, part number
(P/N) 27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-002.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane 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 airplanes 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 (d) 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 in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished or made unnecessary by replacement of the P/N
27-19008-001 or P/N 27-19008-002 Barber-Colman pitch trim actuator
with a Simmonds-Precision actuator, P/N DL5040M5 or P/N 5040M6. This
replacement may only be accomplished on SA226-T, SA226-T(B), SA226-
AT, SA226-TC, SA227-TT, SA227-AT, SA227-AC, or SA227-BC aircraft.
The Simmonds-Precision actuators are not approved for the Models
SA227-CC and SA227-DC airplanes.
To lessen the severity of airplane pitch up caused by mechanical
failure of the pitch trim actuator, which could result in a pitch
upset and structural failure of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
(a) Prior to further flight after receipt of this AD, revise the
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by incorporating the
following into the Limitations Section of the AFM. This may be
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM:
Limit the maximum indicated airspeed to maneuvering
airspeed (Va) as shown in the appropriate airplane flight manual
(AFM).''
and
``The minimum crew required is two pilots.''
Note 2: Fairchild Service Letter 226-SL-017, Fairchild Service
Letter 227-SL-033, and Fairchild Service Letter CC7-SL-023, all FAA
Approved: August 26, 1998; Revised: September 2, 1998; address the
subject matter of this AD.
(b) Incorporating the AFM revision, as specified in paragraph
(a) of this AD, may be performed by the owner/operator holding at
least a private pilot certificate as authorized by Sec. 43.7 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into
the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance
with Sec. 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).
Note 3: This AD does not affect AD 97-23-01, Amendment 39-10188
(62 FR 5922, November 3, 1997). AD 97-23-01 still applies to all
SA226 and SA227 series airplanes equipped with either Barber-Colman
or Simmonds-Precision pitch trim actuators, and requires the
following:
--Repetitively measuring the freeplay of the pitch trim actuator and
repetitively inspecting the actuator for rod slippage or ratcheting;
--Immediately replacing any actuator if certain freeplay limitations
are exceeded or rod slippage or ratcheting is evident; and,
--Eventually replacing the Simmonds-Precision actuators regardless
of the inspection results.
(c) 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 airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150.
The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Fort Worth ACO.
Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Fort Worth ACO.
(e) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of
the documents referred to herein upon request to Field Support
Engineering, Fairchild Aircraft, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas
78279-0490; or may examine these documents at the FAA, Central
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on September 25, 1998, to
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately
effective by priority letter AD 98-19-15, issued September 10, 1998,
which
[[Page 50986]]
contains the requirements of this amendment.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 17, 1998.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25479 Filed 9-23-98; 8:45 am]
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