[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 197 (Friday, October 10, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58578-58581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25591]



[[Page 58578]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-43-AD; Amendment 39-13328; AD 2003-20-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Raytheon Aircraft Company Beech Models 
1900, 1900C, and 1900D Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Beech Models 1900, 
1900C, and 1900D airplanes. This AD requires you to make a correction 
to the elevator trim system maintenance procedures, incorporate a 
temporary revision to the applicable maintenance manual, and 
incorporate procedures that will enhance the existing elevator trim 
operational check every time you have maintenance done on the elevator 
trim system. This AD is the result of an analysis of the maintenance 
procedures of the elevator trim system. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct any maintenance-induced problems with the elevator 
trim system installation before problems occur during operation. Such a 
condition could lead to difficulties in controlling the airplane or a 
total loss of pitch control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on October 15, 2003.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of 
October 15, 2003.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by December 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this AD:
    [sbull] By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-43-AD, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    [sbull] By fax: (816) 329-3771.
    [sbull] By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-43-AD'' in the subject 
line. If you send comments electronically as attached electronic files, 
the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII.
    You may get the service information identified in this AD from 
Raytheon Aircraft Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; 
telephone: (800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140.
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-43-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris B. Morgan, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 
100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 
946-4154; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

    On August 26, 2003, a Raytheon Model Beech 1900D twin-turboprop 
airplane was involved in an accident in the Nantucket Sound off 
southeastern Massachusetts. The Raytheon Beech Model 1900D is designed 
to carry 19 passengers. According to initial reports, the airplane took 
off of Runway 24 at Barnstable Municipal Airport on Cape Cod. The pilot 
immediately declared an emergency and, while en route to make an 
emergency landing on Runway 33, crashed into the water.
    While there is no determination of the cause of the accident and 
the investigation is ongoing, FAA's review of the current maintenance 
procedures of the elevator trim system reveals the following:

--The figures in the applicable maintenance manuals depict the elevator 
trim cable drum at 180 degrees from the installed position and show the 
open, keyed side of the drum instead of the flat side of the drum. 
Following these figures when installing the control cables on the 
forward control cable drum could reverse the action of the elevator 
manual trim system; and
--The existing procedure can be enhanced by visually confirming the 
trim wheel position and the trim tab position are consistent. Such a 
check would detect and correct any problems with the elevator trim 
system installation before problems occur during operation.

    Although the figures (figure 9 for the 1900/1900C and figure 201 
for the 1900D) in the existing maintenance manuals are incorrectly 
depicted, following the step-by-step written instructions in the 
existing procedure and referring to the orientation of the parts 
removed would result in the correct installation and action of the 
elevator trim system.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    An incorrectly installed elevator trim system component, if not 
detected and corrected, could result in difficulties in controlling the 
airplane or a total loss of pitch control.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    Raytheon has issued Safety Communiqu[eacute] No. 234, dated 
September 2003, to address this issue.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The safety communiqu[eacute] includes information about the 
incorrect depictions of the figures in the applicable maintenance 
manuals and also references the following temporary maintenance manual 
revisions:

--Temporary Revision No. 27-5 to the Model 1900/1900C Airliner 
Maintenance Manual: Revised ELEVATOR TRIM OPERATIONAL CHECK; and
--Temporary Revision No. 27-9 to the Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance 
Manual: Added MANUAL ELEVATOR TRIM OPERATIONAL CHECK.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other Raytheon Beech Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D 
airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to detect 
and correct any maintenance-induced problems with the elevator trim 
system installation before problems occur during operation. Such a 
condition could lead to difficulties in controlling the airplane or a 
total loss of pitch control.

What Does This AD Require?

    This AD requires you to:

--Make a correction to the elevator trim system maintenance procedures;
--Incorporate a temporary revision to the applicable maintenance 
manual; and
--Incorporate procedures that will enhance the existing elevator trim 
operational check every time you have maintenance done on the elevator 
trim system.

[[Page 58579]]

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD?

    On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Comments Invited

Will I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the 
Rule?

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-43-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule 
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through 
a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive 
part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in 
the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the AD in light of those comments.

Regulatory Findings

Will This AD Impact Various Entities?

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.

Will This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-43-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2003-20-10 Raytheon Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-13328; Docket No. 
2003-CE-43-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on October 15, 2003.

Are Any Other ADs Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Models Beech 1900, 1900C, and 1900D 
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any 
category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of an analysis of the maintenance 
procedures of the elevator trim system. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct any maintenance-induced problems with the 
elevator trim system installation before problems occur during 
operation. Such a condition could lead to difficulties in 
controlling the airplane or a total loss of pitch control.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Using pen and ink, mark the   Before the next     As specified in
 applicable figure in the          time you have       Raytheon Safety
 maintenance manual as             maintenance done    Communiqu[eacute]
 referenced below. The depiction   on the elevator     No. 234, dated
 in the referenced figures is      trim system.        September 2003.
 incorrect for the elevator trim
 drum only and depicts the cable
 drum at 180 degrees from the
 installed position and shows
 the open, keyed side of the
 drum instead of the flat side
 of the drum. Insert corrected
 figure (Figure 1 of this AD)
 into the applicable maintenance
 manual and identify it
 accordingly:
    (i) Figure 9 of Chapter 27-
     10-00 of the Model 1900/
     1900C Airliner Maintenance
     Manual (114-590021-7B)
     Clearly note in pen that
     existing portion of Figure
     9 is correct for the
     aileron trim drum only and
     insert corrected figure
     (Figure 1 of this AD)
     marked in pen as correct
     for the elevator trim drum
     only; or

[[Page 58580]]

 
    (ii) Mark out Figure 201 of
     Chapter 27-30-04 of the
     Model 1900D Airliner
     Maintenance Manual (125-
     590000-15). Insert
     corrected figure (Figure 1
     of this AD)
(2) Incorporate the applicable    Before the next     As specified in
 temporary revision into the       time you have       Raytheon Safety
 maintenance manuals as follows:   maintenance done    Communiqu[eacute]
                                   on the elevator     No. 234, dated
                                   trim system.        September 2003.
    (i) Temporary Revision No.
     27-5 to the Model 1900/
     1900C Airliner Maintenance
     Manual: Revised ELEVATOR
     TRIM OPERATIONAL CHECK; or
    (ii) Temporary Revision No.
     27-9 to the Model 1900D
     Airliner Maintenance
     Manual: Added MANUAL
     ELEVATOR TRIM OPERATIONAL
     CHECK.
(3) Do the elevator trim          Prior to further    As specified in
 operational check that is         flight after each   Raytheon Safety
 specified in the applicable       time you have       Communiqu[eacute]
 maintenance manual and            maintenance done    No. 234, dated
 temporary revisions to the        on the elevator     September 2003:
 maintenance manual as             trim system.        and Temporary
 referenced in paragraph (e)(2)                        Revision No. 27-5
 of this AD                                            to the Model 1900/
                                                       1900C Airliner
                                                       Maintenance
                                                       Manual: Revised
                                                       ELEVATOR TRIM
                                                       OPERATIONAL
                                                       CHECK; or
                                                       Temporary
                                                       Revision No. 27-9
                                                       to the Model
                                                       1900D Airliner
                                                       Maintenance
                                                       Manual: Added
                                                       MANUAL ELEVATOR
                                                       TRIM OPERATIONAL
                                                       CHECK, both dated
                                                       September 12,
                                                       2003, as
                                                       applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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What About Alternative Methods of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.13. Send your request to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Chris B. Morgan, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 
Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 
67209; telephone: (316) 946-4154; facsimile: (316) 946-4107.

Is There Material Incorporated by Reference?

    (g) You must do the actions required by this AD per Raytheon 
Safety Communique No. 234, dated September 2003; and either Raytheon 
Temporary Revision No. 27-5 to the Model 1900/1900C Airliner 
Maintenance Manual: Revised ELEVATOR TRIM OPERATIONAL CHECK, or 
Raytheon Temporary Revision No. 27-9 to the Model 1900D Airliner 
Maintenance Manual: Added MANUAL ELEVATOR TRIM OPERATIONAL CHECK, 
both dated September 12, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Raytheon Aircraft 
Company, 9709 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085; telephone: 
(800) 429-5372 or (316) 676-3140. You may review copies at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 2, 2003.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25591 Filed 10-9-03; 8:45 am]
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