[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 83 (Friday, April 30, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23179-23183]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10815]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-100-AD; Amendment 39-11154; AD 99-09-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 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) 99-09-51 that was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires 
visual inspections under the floorboards in the lower center cargo 
compartment at frame 1681 to verify that a certain bracket and a 
certain open face nylon clamp are installed to a specific support wire 
bundle and to detect damage of the subject wire bundle; repair of 
damaged wiring; and installation of certain silicone rubber coated with 
a glass cloth protective wrap around the wire bundle, if necessary. 
This action is prompted by an incident in which the insulation

[[Page 23180]]

blanket between frames 1661 and 1681 in the lower center cargo 
compartment was found to be burnt due to a missing wiring harness 
support bracket/clamp on the wire bundle at frame 1681. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to ensure that such a wire harness 
support bracket/clamp is installed; a missing bracket/clamp could cause 
the wire bundle to chafe against the frame, which could result in 
sparks, smoke, and possible fire in the lower center cargo compartment.

DATES: Effective May 5, 1999, to all persons except those persons to 
whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 99-09-51, issued 
on April 16, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 29, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-100-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    Information pertaining to this amendment may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, 
ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 16, 1999, the FAA issued emergency 
AD 99-09-51, which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-
11 series airplanes.
    As part of its practice of re-examining all aspects of the service 
experience of a particular aircraft whenever an accident occurs, the 
FAA has become aware of an incident in which the insulation blanket 
between frames 1661 and 1681 in the lower center cargo compartment was 
found to be burnt. This incident occurred on a McDonnell Douglas Model 
MD-11 series airplane.
    Investigation revealed that a wiring harness (including wires with 
a 115 volt alternating current) of the aft cargo loader control unit 
was contacting the insulation blanket and rubbing against frame 1681 
above stringer R46. A wire was cut, and three other wires were missing 
insulation. In addition, frame 1681 had signs of arcing damage. 
Furthermore, the exposed moisture barrier material of the insulation 
blanket was burnt, and a hole was detected on the insulation blanket 
where the wiring harness was chafing against frame 1681. Further 
investigation revealed that a wiring harness support bracket/clamp on 
the wire bundle at frame 1681 may not have been installed during 
production of the airplane.
    This incident is not considered to be related to an accident that 
occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia involving a McDonnell Douglas 
Model MD-11 series airplane. The cause of that accident is still under 
investigation.
    A missing wiring harness support bracket/clamp on the wire bundle 
at frame 1681 could cause the wire bundle to chafe against the frame, 
which could result in sparks, smoke, and possible fire in the lower 
center cargo compartment.

Other Related Rulemaking

    On April 9, 1999, the FAA issued a similar action (AD 99-08-51), 
which applies only to airplanes that are equipped with a 72-inch cargo 
door and use the light-weight cargo handling system. However, since the 
issuance of AD 99-08-51, the FAA has determined that the wire routing 
on airplanes that are equipped with a 72-inch cargo door and use any 
cargo handling system must also be inspected. Therefore, the FAA has 
determined that these additional airplanes also are subject to the 
unsafe condition identified in AD 99-08-51, and that the actions 
required by that AD must be accomplished on those airplanes to ensure 
an adequate level of safety of the affected fleet. Those airplanes are 
listed in the applicability of this new AD.
    The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 
series airplanes, is continuing to review all aspects of the service 
history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and 
to take appropriate corrective actions. This airworthiness directive is 
one of a series of actions identified during that process. The process 
is continuing and the FAA may consider additional rulemaking actions as 
further results of the review become available.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this 
airworthiness directive is issued to require a visual inspection to 
verify that, under the floorboards in the lower center cargo 
compartment at frame 1681, a certain bracket and a certain open face 
nylon clamp are installed to a specific support wire bundle. This AD 
also requires a visual inspection to detect damage of the subject wire 
bundle; repair of damaged wiring; and installation of certain silicone 
rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap around the subject 
wire bundle, if necessary. In addition, this AD requires that operators 
submit a report of the inspection results to the FAA. The repairs are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the procedures specified 
in Chapter 20-30-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Airplane Maintenance 
Manual, and Chapter 20-10-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring 
Diagram Manual.
    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 notices 
issued on April 16, 1999, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. These 
conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal 
Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons.

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 shall 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

[[Page 23181]]

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 Number 99-NM-100-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 that it 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 the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-09-51  McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-11154. Docket 99-NM-100-
AD.

    Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category; having the following fuselage/factory serial numbers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Fuselage No.                          Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
447........................................................        48401
448........................................................        48402
449........................................................        48458
453........................................................        48411
454........................................................        48412
455........................................................        48449
456........................................................        48407
457........................................................        48408
461........................................................        48495
466........................................................        48416
467........................................................        48417
470........................................................        48459
475........................................................        48461
476........................................................        48434
478........................................................        48435
479........................................................        48450
484........................................................        48484
486........................................................        48499
488........................................................        48413
491........................................................        48414
492........................................................        48489
493........................................................        48500
495........................................................        48410
496........................................................        48496
497........................................................        48460
501........................................................        48418
502........................................................        48485
505........................................................        48451
506........................................................        48437
509........................................................        48486
512........................................................        48497
515........................................................        48514
516........................................................        48523
517........................................................        48547
518........................................................        48468
519........................................................        48469
520........................................................        48502
521........................................................        48548
523........................................................        48404
524........................................................        48405
525........................................................        48518
528........................................................        48503
529........................................................        48512
533........................................................        48538
539........................................................        48519
541........................................................        48520
450........................................................        48419
451........................................................        48420
452........................................................        48421
462........................................................        48505
469........................................................        48487
480........................................................        48472
481........................................................        48473
482........................................................        48481
483........................................................        48436
485........................................................        48474
489........................................................        48475
499........................................................        48490
503........................................................        48491
504........................................................        58527
507........................................................        48528
510........................................................        48476
511........................................................        48477
513........................................................        48501
514........................................................        48478
522........................................................        48498
526........................................................        48550
527........................................................        48551
530........................................................        48552
531........................................................        48553
535........................................................        48554
536........................................................        48479
537........................................................        48596
538........................................................        48480
540........................................................        48597
550........................................................        48598
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: This AD only affects Model MD-11 series airplanes 
equipped with a 72-inch cargo door. Model MD-11 series airplanes 
equipped with a 104-inch cargo door are not subject to the unsafe 
condition addressed by this AD due to the configuration of the wire 
bundles.
    Note 2: 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 (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 ensure that a wire harness support bracket/clamp is installed 
on the wire bundle at frame 1681, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform a 
one-time visual inspection under the floorboards in the lower center 
cargo compartment at frame 1681 (approximately one inch outboard of 
longeron R46) to verify that a bracket having part number P/N 
9D0062-3-16-24 (or equivalent), and an open face nylon clamp having 
P/N NMC1001-1 or 383-1 (see Figure 1, Item 14/267), are installed to 
support wire bundle No. AGS9110. (The nylon clamp specified in this 
paragraph may be a larger size, depending on the size of the wire 
bundle.)
    (1) If the bracket and clamp are installed: Prior to further 
flight, perform a visual inspection to detect damage of the subject 
wire bundle. If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Repair in accordance with Chapter 20-30-01 of the McDonnell 
Douglas MD-11 Airplane Maintenance Manual. And
    (ii) Install a silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth 
protective wrap [Douglas Material Specification (DMS) 2109 or 
equivalent] around the wire bundle(s) in the area over frame 1681 
above stringer R46 in accordance with Chapter 20-10-01 of the 
McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual.

[[Page 23182]]

    (2) If the bracket or clamp is not installed: Prior to further 
flight, perform a visual inspection to detect damage (i.e., chafing, 
damage, or missing wire insulation) of the subject wire bundle(s).
    (i) If no damage is detected: Prior to further flight, install a 
silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap (DMS 2109 
or equivalent) around the wire bundle(s) in the area over frame 1681 
above stringer R46 in accordance with Chapter 20-10-01 of the 
McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual.
    (ii) If any damage is detected: Prior to further flight, 
accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and 
(a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required 
by paragraphs (a) and (a)(1) of this AD, submit a report of the 
inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to the 
Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California 90712-4137; fax (562) 627-5210. Information collection 
requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have 
been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (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, Los Angeles ACO. 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 ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (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) This amendment becomes effective on May 5, 1999, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by emergency AD 99-09-51, issued on April 16, 1999, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

[[Page 23183]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30AP99.011



    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 1999.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-10815 Filed 4-29-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C