[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 198 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52020-52023]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25397]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-28-AD; Amendment 39-12462; AD 2001-20-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., Models SA226 
and SA227 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. 
This AD requires you to replace the brake shuttle valves with parts of 
improved design and install a shield over the hydraulic lines. This AD 
also requires replacing the rubber fuel hose with a metal device for 
certain SA226 series airplanes. This AD is the result of a report of a 
wheel brake system malfunction caused by a faulty brake shuttle valve. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct potential 
brake shuttle valve problems, which could cause the brake assembly to 
drag and overheat. Hydraulic or fuel line damage could then occur if 
the overheated brake assembly is retracted into the main wheel well, 
with a consequent fire if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 21, 2001.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of 
November 21, 2001.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information referenced in this AD 
from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 
78279-0490; telephone: (210) 824-9421; facsimile: (210) 820-8609. You 
may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2000-CE-28-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, 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: Werner Koch, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; facsimile: (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    The FAA received a report of an accident involving a Fairchild 
Model SA226-TC airplane where the flight crew lost control of the 
airplane at low altitude during the final approach for landing. Prior 
to the accident, the flight crew reported a loss of hydraulic pressure 
and a fire on the left side of the airplane.
    Investigation of this accident indicates the following:

--The flight crew applied right rudder power during the takeoff roll to 
compensate for a dragging and overheated left wheel brake and then 
raised the landing gear into the left wheel well;
--The overheated left wheel brake ignited the tires and the hydraulic 
fluid; and
--The resultant fire burned the rubber fuel crossover hose and resulted 
in fuel leakage with a consequent fuel fire.


[[Page 52021]]


    The accident investigation shows that the brake shuttle valve may 
have caused the left wheel brake to drag and overheat.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

    We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplanes. This 
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a supplemental notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 5, 2000 (65 FR 75883). The 
supplemental NPRM proposed to require you to replace the brake shuttle 
valves with parts of improved design (except on airplanes with an anti-
skid/power brake system); install a shield over the hydraulic lines; 
and replace the rubber fuel hose with a metal device on certain SA226 
series airplanes.

What Is the Potential Impact if FAA Took No Action?

    Original design brake shuttle valves, if not replaced with improved 
design valves, could cause the wheel brakes to drag and overheat. This 
could result in hydraulic or fuel line damage if the overheated brake 
assembly is retracted into the main wheel wells. A consequent fire 
could occur if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

    The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making 
of this amendment. The following presents the comment received on the 
proposal and FAA's response to this comment:

Comment Disposition

What Is the Commenter's Concern?

    The commenter suggests that the cause of the wheel brake system 
malfunction may not be related to the brake shuttle valve. The 
commenter references an incident on a SA226 airplane relative to a 
dragging wheel brake that was traced to the master cylinder internal 
relief valve. The FAA infers that the commenter would like us to 
continue to investigate this issue.

What Is FAA's Response to the Concern?

    After thorough investigation of all available information, we 
determined that the cause of this unsafe condition is related to the 
brake shuttle valve. The FAA welcomes comments and suggestions such as 
those made by the commenter. In fact, we have determined that the 
master cylinder relief valve may have been the cause of other main gear 
brake incidents. We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
(Docket No. 2001-CE-17-AD), which proposes these brake master cylinders 
be replaced with new or overhauled units. This NPRM was published in 
the Federal Register on August 21, 2001 (66 FR 43814).
    We will continue to investigate any other potential causes for the 
dragging brakes on the SA226 and SA227 airplanes.

FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

    We carefully reviewed all available information related to the 
subject presented above and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor 
editorial corrections. We determined that these minor corrections:

--Will not change the meaning of the AD; and
--Will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed.

Cost Impact

How Many Airplanes Does This AD Impact?

    We estimate that this AD affects 258 airplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected 
Airplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the replacement and 
installation:

                         SA226  Series Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Total cost on U.S.
         Labor cost                Parts cost             operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
65 workhours  x  $60 per      $3,431 per airplane.  $7,331 per airplane
 hour = $3,900.                                      x  258 =
                                                     $1,891,398.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         SA227  Series Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Total cost on U.S.
         Labor cost                Parts cost             operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
55 workhours  x  $60 per      $1,369 per airplane.  $4,669 per airplane
 hour = $3,300.                                      x  258 =
                                                     $1,204,602.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of This AD

What Is the Compliance Time of This AD?

    The compliance time of this AD is at whichever of the following 
that occurs later:

--Within 500 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of 
this AD; or
--Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD

Why Is the Compliance Time of This AD Presented in Both Hours TIS and 
Calendar Time?

    The affected airplanes are used in both general aviation and 
commuter operations. Those commuter operators may accumulate 500 hours 
TIS on the airplane in less than 2 months and many owners have numerous 
affected airplanes in their fleets. We have determined that the dual 
compliance time:

--Gives all owners/operators of the affected airplanes adequate time to 
schedule and accomplish the actions in this AD; and
--Ensures that the unsafe condition referenced in this AD will be 
corrected within a reasonable time period without inadvertently 
grounding any of the affected airplanes

Flexibility Determination and Analysis

What Are the Requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act?

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 was enacted by Congress to 
assure that small entities are not unnecessarily or disproportionately 
burdened by government regulations. This Act establishes ``as principle 
of regulatory issuance that agencies shall endeavor,

[[Page 52022]]

consistent with the objectives of the rule and of applicable statutes, 
to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale of the 
businesses, organizations, and governmental jurisdictions subject to 
regulation.'' To achieve this principle, the Act requires agencies to 
solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain the 
rationale for their actions. The Act covers a wide range of small 
entities, including small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and 
small governmental jurisdictions.
    Agencies must perform a review to determine whether a proposed or 
final rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. If the determination is that the rule will, 
the Agency must prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis as described 
in the RFA.
    However, if an agency determines that a proposed or final rule is 
not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities, section 605(b) of the RFA provides that the 
head of the agency may so certify and a regulatory flexibility analysis 
is not required. The certification must include a statement providing 
the factual basis for this determination, and the reasoning should be 
clear.

What Is FAA's Determination?

    The FAA has determined that this AD could have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. However, we 
have determined that we should continue with this action in order to 
address the unsafe condition and ensure aviation safety.
    You may obtain a copy of the complete Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (entitled ``Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis'') that was 
prepared for this AD from the Docket file at the location listed under 
the ADDRESSES section of this document.

Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

    The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) could have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. You may obtain a copy of the complete Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (entitled ``Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis'') that was prepared for this AD from the Docket file at the 
location listed under the ADDRESSES section of this document.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2001-20-14  Fairchild Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-12462; Docket No. 
2000-CE-28-AD.

    (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the 
following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated 
in any category:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Model                                                 Serial Nos.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA226-T..........................................................  T201 through T248.
SA226-T(A).......................................................  T(A)249 through T(A)-291.
SA226-T(B).......................................................  T(B) 276 and T(B) 292 through T(B) 417.
SA226-AT.........................................................  AT001 through AT074.
SA226-TC.........................................................  TC201 through TC419.
SA227-TT.........................................................  TT421 through TT555.
SA227-TT(300)....................................................  TT447, TT465, TT471, TT483, TT512, TT518,
                                                                    TT521, TT527, TT529, and 536.
SA227-AT.........................................................  AT421, AT423 through AT631, and AT695.
SA227-AC.........................................................  AC406, AC415, AC416, and AC420 through AC599.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above airplanes must comply with this AD. The AD applies 
to any airplane with or without an anti-skid/power brake system 
installed.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to correct potential brake shuttle valve 
problems, which could cause the brake assembly to drag and overheat. 
Hydraulic or fuel line damage could then occur if the overheated 
brake assembly is retracted into the main wheel well, with a 
consequent fire if the hydraulic or fuel lines ruptured.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For all affected          Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 airplanes, except those       time-in-service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 equipped with an anti-skid/   (TIS) after           INSTRUCTIONS
 power brake system, replace   November 21, 2001     section of
 each brake shuttle valve      (the effective date   Fairchild Aircraft
 with part number (P/N)        of this AD), or       Service Bulletin
 MS28767-4 brake shuttle       within 6 months       No. 226-26-003, or
 valve (or FAA-approved        after November 21,    Fairchild Aircraft
 equivalent part number).      2001 (the effective   Service Bulletin
                               date of this AD),     No. 227-26-002, as
                               whichever occurs      applicable. Page
                               later.                numbers with
                                                     respective dates
                                                     are presented in
                                                     paragraphs
                                                     (h)(1)(i) and
                                                     (h)(1)(ii) of this
                                                     AD.

[[Page 52023]]

 
(2) For all affected          Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 airplanes, install a shield   time-in-service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 over the hydraulic lines.     (TIS) after           INSTRUCTIONS
                               November 21, 2001     section of
                               (the effective date   Fairchild Aircraft
                               of this AD), or       Service Bulletin
                               within 6 months       No. 226-26-003, or
                               after November 21,    Fairchild Aircraft
                               2001 (the effective   Service Bulletin
                               date of this AD),     No. 227-26-002, as
                               whichever occurs      applicable. Page
                               later.                numbers with
                                                     respective dates
                                                     are presented in
                                                     paragraphs
                                                     (h)(1)(i) and
                                                     (h)(1)(ii) of this
                                                     AD.
(3) For all airplane models   Within 500 hours      In accordance with
 within the SA226 series,      time-in-service       the ACCOMPLISHMENT
 replace the rubber fuel       (TIS) after           INSTRUCTIONS
 hose with a metal device.     November 21, 2001     section of
                               (the effective date   Fairchild Aircraft
                               of this AD), or       Service Bulletin
                               within 6 months       No. 226-26-003.
                               after November 21,    Page numbers with
                               2001 (the effective   respective dates
                               date of this AD),     are presented in
                               whichever occurs      paragraphs
                               later.                (h)(1)(i) of this
                                                     AD.
(4) Do not install any brake  As of November 21,    Not Applicable.
 shuttle valve that is not a   2001 (the effective
 P/N MS28767-4 brake shuttle   date of this AD).
 valve (or FAA-approved
 equivalent part number) or
 a fuel hose that is made
 out of rubber.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office (ACO), 
approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Fort Worth ACO.

    Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph 
(a) of this AD, 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific 
actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Werner Koch, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham 
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5133; 
facsimile: (817) 222-5960.
    (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference?
    (1) Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with 
the following:
    (i) Fairchild Service Bulletin No. 226-26-003, which 
incorporates the following pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Pages                                 Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.................................  Issued: March 1, 2000.
14, 15.............................  Issued: March 1, 2000, Revised:
                                      June 27, 2000.
17.................................  Issued: March 1, 2000, Revised:
                                      October 2, 2000.
4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13.....  Issued: March 1, 2000, Revised:
                                      January 19, 2001.
1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 and..............  Issued: March 1, 2000, Revised:
                                      August 10, 2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (ii) Fairchild Service Bulletin No. 227-26-002, which 
incorporates the following pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Pages                                 Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 8, and 9.....................  Issued: March 1, 2000.
7..................................  Issued: March 1, 2000, Revised:
                                      June 27, 2000.
3, 4, 5, and 6.....................  Issued: March 1, 2000, Revised:
                                      October 2, 2000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) The Director of the Federal Register approved this 
incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (3) You can get copies from Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., P.O. Box 
790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490. You can look at copies at the 
FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, 
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (j) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on November 21, 2001.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 2, 2001.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-25397 Filed 10-11-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P