[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 232 (Friday, December 3, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67706-67708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-31172]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-ANE-18-AD; Amendment 39-11448; AD 99-25-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Model HD-E6C-
3( ) Propellers
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 Hartzell Propeller, Inc.,
[[Page 67707]]
Model HD-E6C-3( ) series propellers, installed on Fairchild Dornier
328-110 series and 328-120 series airplanes. This action supersedes
telegraphic AD T99-06-51 that currently requires initial and repetitive
inspections of the propeller hub for cracks or grease leaks, and
replacement of the hub if any cracks are found. This amendment requires
an initial and repetitive inspections of Hartzell propeller hub, part
number (P/N) D-5108-1, for cracks or grease leaks, replacement of the
hub if any cracks are found, and allows the installation of propeller
hub, P/N D-5108-5, as a terminating action for the inspection
requirements. This amendment is prompted by the addition of propeller
hub P/N D-5108-5 as a terminating action for the inspection
requirements and by the removal of the inspection requirements for
Hartzell propeller hub, P/N D-5108-5. The actions specified by this AD
are intended to prevent severe vibration due to cracks in the propeller
hub that could result in propeller blade loss, loss of control, and
possible damage to the airplane.
DATES: Effective December 20, 1999. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register as of December 20, 1999.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before February 1, 2000.
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-18-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane-
[email protected].'' Comments sent via the Internet must contain the
docket number in the subject line.
The applicable service information may be obtained from Hartzell
Propeller, Inc., Technical Publications Department, One Propeller
Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200, FAX (937) 778-4365.
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: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-
7031, FAX (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 2, 1999, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued telegraphic airworthiness directive (TAD)
T99-06-51, applicable to Hartzell Propeller, Inc., Model HD-E6C-3( ),
to require an initial and repetitive inspections of the propeller hub,
regardless of propeller hub part number (P/N), for cracks or grease
leaks, and replacement of the hub if any cracks are found. That action
was prompted by a report of cracks in the propeller hub on a Hartzell
Propeller, Inc. model HD-E6C-3B/E13890K propeller installed on a
Fairchild Dornier 328-100 series airplane. Shortly after takeoff, the
pilot reported severe vibration. The pilot turned back and landed at
the departure airport, but an engine was not shut down in flight
because the pilot could not determine which engine had a problem.
During taxi back to the ramp, the pilot reported that the vibration was
worse at ground idle. After shutdown, the propeller was removed and
large cracks were discovered in both hub halves. That condition, if not
corrected, could result in propeller blade loss due to cracks in the
propeller hub that could result in loss of control and possible damage
to the airplane. Investigations have found that the cracks were
propagating due to fatigue cycles. The nature or origin of the crack
initiation flaw could not be determined due to the lack of physical
evidence available in the post-failure hardware.
Events Since the Telegraphic AD
Since the issuance of that telegraphic AD, the FAA has determined
that only Hartzell propeller hub, P/N D-5108-1, needs to be inspected.
Also, the FAA has approved the replacement of Hartzell propeller hub,
P/N D-5108-1 with an improved design Hartzell propeller hub, P/N D-
5108-5, as terminating action for the inspection requirement. The
improved design of the D-5108-5 hub addresses all determined possible
causes of crack initiation.
Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of
Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) HD-ASB-61-021,
Revision 1, dated March 18, 1999, that describes procedures for visual
inspections of propeller hubs for cracks and grease leaks and for
replacing the propeller hub.
Required Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design, this AD
supersedes telegraphic AD T99-06-51 to require an initial visual
inspection of the Hartzell propeller hub, P/N D-5108-1, within 12 hours
time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, and repetitive
inspections at the start of each operational day and replacement of
propeller hub P/N D-5108-1, with propeller hub P/N D-5108-5, within 600
hours TIS or three months after the effective date of this AD. The
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert
service bulletin described previously.
Immediate Action
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-18-AD.'' The
[[Page 67708]]
postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would not have a
substantial direct effect 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.
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to
publication of this proposed rule.
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:
99-25-05 Hartzell Propeller, Inc.: Amendment 39-11448; Docket
99-ANE-18-AD.
Applicability: Hartzell Propeller, Inc., Model HD-E6C-3( )
series propellers with propeller hub part number D-5108-1, installed
on but not limited to Fairchild Dornier 328-110 and 328-120 series
airplanes.
Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each
propeller 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 propellers 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 accomplished
previously.
To prevent propeller blade loss due to cracks in the propeller
hub that could result in loss of control and possible damage to the
airplane, accomplish the following:
Initial and Repetitive Inspection Requirements
(a) Perform initial and repetitive visual inspections of the
Hartzell propeller hub part number (P/N) D-5108-1 for cracks and
grease leaks in accordance with paragraph 3.A. of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller, Inc. ASB No. HD-ASB-61-021
Revision 1, dated March 18, 1999, as follows:
(1) Within 12 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, perform an initial visual inspection.
(2) Thereafter, perform a daily visual inspection. However, for
airplanes that are not operated on a daily basis, inspect affected
propeller hubs every operational day.
Confirmation of Crack
(b) If a crack is confirmed, before further flight, remove
cracked hub from service and replace with a serviceable part in
accordance with paragraph 3.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of
ASB No. HD-ASB-61-021, revision 1, dated March 18, 1999.
Terminating Action
(c) Replace propeller hub P/N D-5108-1 with propeller hub P/N D-
5108-5 within 600 hours TIS or three months after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(d) Installation of propeller hub, P/N D-5108-5, constitutes
terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, Chicago Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO). Operators shall submit their requests through an
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add
comments and then send it to the Manager, ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(f) 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 aircraft to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(g) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with Hartzell Propeller, Inc. ASB No. HD-ASB-61-021, Revision 1,
dated March 18, 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 Hartzell
Propeller, Inc., Technical Publications Department, One Propeller
Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200, FAX (937) 778-
4365. 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 December 20, 1999.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 24, 1999.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-31172 Filed 12-2-99; 8:45 am]
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