[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 6, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16621-16624]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-8093]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-ANE-08-AD; Amendment 39-11103; AD 99-07-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731-40R-200G 
Turbofan Engines

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 AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731-40R-200G turbofan engines. 
This action requires inspection of the fuel flow meter tube assembly 
part number (P/N) 3061157-2, which connects the fuel control to the 
fuel flow meter, and eventual replacement of the tube and fuel flow 
meter mounting bracket. This amendment is prompted by two in-flight 
shutdowns on two recently certified TFE731-40R turbofan engines within 
the last six months that resulted from fuel flow meter tube assembly 
failures. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fuel 
from spraying on and around electrical components due to a cracked fuel 
line, which can result in an in-flight engine shutdown, and could 
possibly result in an engine fire.

DATES: Effective April 21, 1999.

[[Page 16622]]

    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 21, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 7, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-ANE-08-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.
    AlliedSignal Inc. service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from AlliedSignal Aerospace Services Attn: Data Distribution, 
M/S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone 
(602) 365-2493, fax (602) 365-5577. Astra service information 
referenced in this AD may be obtained from Galaxy Aerospace Company, 
Attn: Publications, One Galaxy Way, Alliance Airport, Fort Worth, TX, 
76177; telephone (817) 837-3740, fax (817) 837-3739. This information 
may be examined 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5246, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
has received reports of failures of the fuel flow meter tube assembly 
between the fuel control and the fuel flow meter. These failures caused 
uncommanded in-flight shutdowns of the AlliedSignal Inc., TFE731-40R-
200G turbofan engines. In one incident, an Israel Aircraft Industries, 
LTD. (IAI) Astra SPX airplane operator experienced an uncommanded 
engine rollback to shutdown. The post-flight investigation revealed a 
fracture of the fuel flow meter tube assembly, part number (P/N) 
3061157-2, located between the fuel control unit and the fuel flow 
meter. Before this incident, the operator had experienced fuel flow 
fluctuations and had performed maintenance in the area of the fuel flow 
meter tube assembly in accordance with standard troubleshooting 
procedures. In another incident, an SPX operator experienced a fracture 
in a fuel flow meter tube assembly of the same P/N. This incident 
occurred shortly after replacement of the fuel control/main fuel pump. 
The FAA has concluded that the current rigid tube assembly design is 
not tolerant of normal maintenance actions and, therefore, this action 
is necessary to introduce a flexible hose design.
    Since the initial incident, the FAA has verified that the fuel flow 
meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, meets design intent, but could 
benefit from a more robust design from a maintenance standpoint. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in fuel spraying on and 
around electrical components due to a cracked fuel line, which can 
result in an in-flight engine shutdown, and could possibly result in an 
engine fire.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
AlliedSignal Inc. Operator Information Wire (OIW) TFE731-40G-99-01, 
dated January 7, 1999, that describes procedures for visual inspection 
of the fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, for cracks or 
leakage, and inspection of the clamping of the fuel flow meter and 
attached tube assemblies for proper installation. Also, the FAA has 
approved the technical content of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) TFE731-A73-5119 dated March 4, 1999, and has approved 
the technical content of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-73A-189 
dated March 4, 1999, that describes procedures for installing the new 
flexible fuel line and fuel flow meter mounting bracket.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731-40R-200G turbofan 
engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent 
fuel from spraying on and around electrical components due to a cracked 
fuel line, which can result in an in-flight engine shutdown, and could 
possibly result in an engine fire. This AD requires the inspection of 
the fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, for cracks or leakage 
and for proper clamping within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD if any maintenance has been performed that 
required disconnecting the fuel flow meter tube assembly or the support 
clamping of the fuel meter or attached tube assemblies, or if it is 
unknown if any maintenance has been performed. This AD also requires 
inspection of the fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, for 
cracks or leakage and for proper clamping within 25 hours TIS after the 
effective date of this AD if no maintenance has been performed that 
required disconnecting the fuel flow meter tube assembly or the support 
clamping of the fuel meter or attached tube assemblies. This AD also 
requires replacement of fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, 
with a new flexible fuel line assembly and replacement of the fuel flow 
meter mounting bracketing within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD. The inspections and replacements are required to be done in 
accordance with the service information 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.
    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 99-ANE-08-AD.'' The

[[Page 16623]]

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:

99-07-19  AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-11103. Docket 99-ANE-08-
AD.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731-40R-200G turbofan 
engines installed on, but not limited to, Israel Aircraft Industries 
LTD (IAI), Model Astra SPX airplanes.

    Note 1: 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 (e) 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 done previously.
    To prevent fuel from spraying on and around electrical 
components due to a cracked fuel line, which can result in an in-
flight engine shutdown, and could possibly result in an engine fire 
do the following:
    (a) Inspect the fuel flow tube assembly, 
P/N 3061157-2, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, in accordance with Operator Information 
Wire (OIW) TFE731-40G-99-01, dated January 7, 1999, Compliance/
Accomplishment Instructions step (2)(a) through step (2)(f) if any 
of the following actions have been done:
    (1) If the fuel control or fuel flow meter have been removed or 
replaced;
    (2) If maintenance has been performed which required removal of 
the clamping which supports the fuel flow meter or the attached tube 
assemblies; or
    (3) If it is unknown if any maintenance has been done.
    If the fuel flow tube assembly is cracked or shows evidence of 
leakage, or if the fuel flow meter clamping is suspected of applying 
stress to the tube assembly, replace the fuel flow tube assembly 
with serviceable parts in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of AlliedSignal Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) TFE731-
A73-5119, dated March 4, 1999, and in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-
73A-189, dated March 4, 1999, prior to further flight.
    (b) Inspect the fuel flow tube assembly, 
P/N 3061157-2, within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD, in accordance with OIW TFE731-40G-99-01, dated January 7, 1999, 
Compliance/Accomplishment Instructions, step (1)(a) through step 
(1)(b), if the fuel control or fuel flow meter has not been removed 
or replaced since new and maintenance has not been done which 
required the removal of the clamping that supports the fuel flow 
meter or the attached tube assemblies. If the fuel flow tube 
assembly is cracked or shows evidence of leakage, or if the fuel 
flow meter clamping is suspected of applying stress to the tube 
assembly, replace the fuel flow tube assembly and fuel flow meter 
mounting bracket with serviceable parts in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) TFE731-A73-5119, dated March 4, 1999, and in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 
1125-73A-189, dated March 4, 1999, prior to further flight.
    (c) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, replace 
fuel flow tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2 and existing fuel flow meter 
mounting bracket with serviceable parts in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) TFE731-A73-5119, dated March 4,1999, and in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 
1125-73A-189, dated March 4, 1999.
    (d) If the flexible fuel line assembly, P/N 3061288-1, and fuel 
flow meter mounting bracket, P/N 3061293-1, are installed, or if 
rigid fuel flow tube assembly P/N 3060999-2 is installed, no further 
action is required and the requirements of this AD have been 
completed.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec. 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.
    (g) The inspection and part replacement shall be done in 
accordance with the following service information:

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           Document No.               Pages               Revision                           Date
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TFE731-40G-99-01, AlliedSignal              3  Original.....................  January 7, 1999.
 Inc. Operator Information Wire.
TFE731-A73-5119, AlliedSignal              10  Original.....................  March 4, 1999.
 Inc. Alert Service Bulletin.
1125-73A-189, Astra Alert Service           8  Original.....................  March 4, 1999.
 Bulletin.
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[[Page 16624]]

    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 of the AlliedSignal Service Bulletin and Operator 
Information Wire may be obtained from AlliedSignal Aerospace 
Services Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, 
Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493. Copies of the 
Astra Service Bulletin may be obtained from Galaxy Aerospace 
Company, Attn: Publications, One Galaxy Way, Alliance Airport, Fort 
Worth TX, 76177; telephone (817) 837-3740, FAX (817) 837-3739. 
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.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective on April 21, 1999.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 25, 1999.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-8093 Filed 4-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U