[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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P