[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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U