[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 81 (Wednesday, April 28, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22780-22782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10314]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-CE-11-AD; Amendment 39-11148; AD 99-09-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directive; Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Models 
A36, B36TC, 58, 58A, C90A, B200, B300, and 1900D Airplanes

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 
applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Beech Models 
A36, B36TC, 58, 58A, C90A, B200, B300, and 1900D airplanes. This AD 
requires inspecting for interference or inadequate clearance between 
the flight control mechanism and any component located forward of the 
instrument panel. If interference or inadequate clearance is found, 
this AD requires securing all components so that they are clear of the 
flight control mechanism. This AD is the result of an incident where 
the electrical/avionics wires made contact with and restricted the 
control system of the affected airplanes. The actions specified by this 
AD are intended to prevent any component or wiring from interfering 
with the flight control mechanism caused by inadequate clearance, which 
could result in reduced or loss of aileron and/or elevator control.

DATES: Effective May 18, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 18, 1999.

[[Page 22781]]

    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 18, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Region Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-CE-11-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from 
the Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; 
telephone: (800) 429-5472 or (316) 676-3140. This information may also 
be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-
CE-11-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 
or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Todd Dixon, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-
Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946-4152; 
facsimile: (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report of an incident where a Raytheon Beech 
Model 1900D airplane temporarily lost aileron and elevator control when 
the control column restricted. After applying pressure several times to 
the control wheel, the airplane pilot was able to free the system and 
regain full control. Upon investigation of the incident, maintenance 
personnel found that the electrical/avionics wiring that is located 
forward of the instrument panel was entangled in the flight control 
system ``T'' column. To correct the problem, the wiring was secured 
away from the control column assembly.

Relevant Service Information

    Raytheon has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued: 
March, 1999, which specifies procedures for inspecting for interference 
and inadequate clearance between the flight control mechanism and any 
component located forward of the instrument panel.
    Raytheon has also issued Safety Communique No. 149, dated August 
1998; and Safety Communique No. 149, Rev. 1, dated November 1998. These 
service documents pertain to the flight control clearance condition and 
contain basically the same information as Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 
27-3232, Issued: March, 1999.

The FAA's Determination

    After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available 
information related to the incidents described above, including the 
relevant service information, the FAA has determined that AD action 
should be taken to prevent any components or wiring from interfering 
with the flight control mechanism caused by inadequate clearance, which 
could result in reduced or loss of aileron and/or elevator control.

Explanation of the Provisions of the AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Raytheon Beech Models A36, B36TC, 58, 58A, 
C90A, B200, B300, and 1900D airplanes of the same type design, the FAA 
is issuing an AD. This AD requires inspecting for interference or 
inadequate clearance between the flight control mechanism and any 
component located forward of the instrument panel. If interference or 
inadequate clearance is found, this AD requires securing all components 
so that they are clear of the flight control mechanism. Accomplishment 
of the required actions specified in this AD is required in accordance 
with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued: March, 
1999.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD

    Since a situation exists (possible loss of aileron and/or elevator 
control) that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is 
found that notice and opportunity for public prior 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 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 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. 99-CE-11-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 (otherwise, an evaluation is 
not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules 
Docket.

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

[[Page 22782]]

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:

99-09-15  Raytheon Aircraft Company (All type certificates of the 
affected airplanes previously held by the Beech Aircraft 
Corporation): Amendment 39-11148; Docket No. 99-CE-11-AD.

    Applicability: The following Beech airplane models and serial 
numbers, certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Model                             Serial Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A36..........................  E-3058 through E-3156, E-3158 through E-
                                3170, E-3172 through E-3177, E-3180
                                through E-3185, E-3187 through E-3198, E-
                                3200, and E-3202.
B36TC........................  EA-594 through EA-610, EA-613, EA-615, EA-
                                616, EA-618, EA-619, and EA-621.
58 and 58A...................  TH-1806 through TH-1840, TH-1842 through
                                TH-1854, TH-1856, TH-1860 through TH-
                                1867, and TH-1870.
C90A.........................  LJ-1459 through LJ-1504, LJ-1506 through
                                LJ-1523, and LJ-1525 through LJ-1530.
B200.........................  BB-1551 through BB-1591, BB-1593 through
                                BB-1622, and BB-1624 through BB-1627.
B300.........................  FL-152 through FL-179, FL-181 through FL-
                                187, FL-189, FL-190, FL-192, FL-194, FL-
                                196 through FL-205, FL-207, FL-210, and
                                FL-211.
1900D........................  UE-1 through UE-319, UE-321, UE-323
                                through UE-328, UE-330 and UE-332.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 (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 in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent any components or wiring from interfering with the 
flight control mechanism caused by inadequate clearance, which could 
result in reduced or loss of aileron and/or elevator control, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect for interference or inadequate clearance 
between the flight control mechanism and any component located 
forward of the instrument panel. Perform this action in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions in Raytheon Mandatory Service 
Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued: March, 1999.
    (b) If interference or inadequate clearance is found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further 
flight, secure all components clear of the flight control mechanism 
as specified in the service bulletin.
    (c) If the actions required in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD 
have been accomplished in accordance with Raytheon Safety Communique 
No. 149, Rev. 1, dated November 1998, or Raytheon Safety Communique 
No. 149, dated August 1998, then no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, 
Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate 
FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to 
the Manager, Wichita ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Wichita ACO.

    (f) The inspection and modification required by this AD shall be 
done in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-
3232, Issued: March, 1999. This incorporation by reference was 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from the 
Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 18, 1999.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 19, 1999.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-10314 Filed 4-27-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P