[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20442-20445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08100]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0819; Project Identifier 2019-CE-027-AD; Amendment 
39-21500; AD 2021-08-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-06-10 
for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (type certificate now held by 
Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron)) Model 76 airplanes. AD 97-06-10 
required repetitively inspecting the main landing gear (MLG) ``A'' 
frame assemblies for cracks and replacing any cracked assembly. Since 
the FAA issued AD 97-06-10, the replacement parts have also experienced 
failure due to cracking. This AD requires magnetic particle inspections 
of the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies for cracks and replacement of the 
affected parts if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 25, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 25, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For the Beechcraft service information identified in this 
final rule, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, 
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-5800; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://txtav.com. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For 
information

[[Page 20443]]

on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148. 
It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0819.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0819; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Adamson, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, 
Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4193; fax: (316) 946-4107; email: 
[email protected] or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR 12949, 
March 19, 1997) (AD 97-06-10). AD 97-06-10 applied to Raytheon Aircraft 
Company (type certificate now held by Textron) Model 76 airplanes, 
serial numbers ME-1 through ME-437 that do not have both a part number 
(P/N) 105-810023-75 (left) and P/N 105-810023-76 (right) MLG ``A'' 
frame assembly installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
December 14, 2020 (85 FR 80693).
    AD 97-06-10 required repetitive visual and dye penetrant 
inspections of the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies for cracks and 
replacement of any assembly found cracked. AD 97-06-10 did not apply to 
Model 76 airplanes with an improved design MLG ``A'' frame assembly (P/
N 105-810023-75 and P/N 105-810023-76) installed on both the left and 
right MLG. The FAA issued AD 97-06-10 to prevent MLG failure because of 
a cracked ``A'' frame assembly, which could result in loss of control 
of the airplane during landing.
    The NPRM was prompted by reports of P/N 105-810023-75 and P/N 105-
810023-76 ``A'' frame assemblies failing due to fatigue cracking, 
resulting in damage to the propeller and outboard wing area. The FAA 
determined that the visual and dye penetrant inspections were not 
adequately detecting cracks in the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies, because 
some of the failed parts had been subjected to visual and dye penetrant 
inspections within 100 hours before the failure.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive magnetic 
particle inspections, which provide quicker results (after testing 
setup) with improved accuracy. Also, the NPRM reflected that the type 
certificate for the Model 76 airplane had been transferred from 
Raytheon to Textron, and that Textron designed new replacement parts, 
P/Ns 105-810023-0083 (left) and 105-810023-0084 (right), that were not 
subject to the proposed repetitive magnetic particle inspections. 
However, the newly designed MLG assemblies are still subject to the 
repetitive inspections specified in the maintenance manual.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received two comments from an anonymous commenter. The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.
Request Regarding New Part Numbers
    One commenter stated that a Model 76 with the new A-frames had a 
main gear collapse on landing in August 2020. The commenter questioned 
whether the new A-frames are also subject to failure.
    The FAA disagrees with this comment. The commenter did not provide 
any data to show that the Textron Model 76 accident airplane, whose 
landing gear failed during landing or taxi conditions, had the new A-
frames installed. Neither the FAA nor Textron have any data indicating 
that P/Ns 105-8100023-0083 and 105-810023-0084 A-frames were installed 
on the accident airplane. In addition, Textron has not received any 
reports of failed P/Ns 105-8100023-0083 and 105-810023-0084 A-frames.
Request Regarding Estimated Cost
    The commenter requested the FAA find an alternative solution that 
is more affordable for operators. The commenter stated that each 
magnetic particle inspection would be costly because the inspection 
involves frame removal. The commenter also included documentation 
showing that the cost of an A-frame from Textron is over $8,000 and, 
with labor costs of $2,200 for installation, owners will spend over 
$18,500 to replace the A-frames.
    The FAA partially agrees with this comment. The FAA has updated the 
estimated costs to reflect the costs provided by the commenter to 
replace the parts. The FAA disagrees with the commenter's estimate of 
labor costs to replace an A-frame, because the labor to install a 
replacement part is included with the labor costs for the inspection. 
The FAA has added language to the on-condition costs to clarify how the 
FAA estimated the cost to replace each part. The FAA also acknowledges 
that the general obligation of the operator to maintain its aircraft in 
an airworthy condition is vital, but sometimes expensive.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156, 
dated May 3, 2019. This service information specifies procedures for a 
repetitive magnetic particle inspection for fatigue cracks adjacent to 
the gussets for the torque arm of each MLG ``A'' frame and destroying 
the assembly if cracks are found. The service information also 
specifies procedures for installing a replacement assembly or re-
installing an assembly when no cracks are found. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 437 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 20444]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost             Parts cost           product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of MLG ``A'' frame       26 work-hours x $85    Not applicable.......          $2,210        $965,770
 assembly.                           per hour = $2,210.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of 105-810023-0083 assembly.......  Not applicable *................          $8,343          $8,343
Replacement of 105-810023-0084 assembly.......  Not applicable *................           8,100           8,100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* No additional labor cost since re-installation labor is included with the inspection cost.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA has 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR 
12949, March 19, 1997); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2021-08-06 Textron Aviation Inc.: Amendment 39-21500; Docket No. 
FAA-2020-0819; Project Identifier 2019-CE-027-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 25, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR 12949, 
March 19, 1997) (AD 97-06-10).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate 
previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft 
Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation) Model 76 airplanes, serial 
numbers ME-1 through ME-437, certificated in any category, except 
airplanes with main landing gear (MLG) ``A'' frame assemblies part 
number (P/N) 105-810023-0083 (left) and P/N 105-810023-0084 (right) 
installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3200; Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by cracks found in MLG ``A'' frame 
assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks 
in the MLG assemblies, which, if not addressed, could result in 
failure of the MLG assemblies and lead to loss of control of the 
airplane during landing.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Actions

    Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the last dye 
penetrant inspection required by AD 97-06-10 or within 12 months 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, and 
thereafter at intervals to not exceed 100 hours TIS or 12 months, 
whichever occurs first, do a magnetic particle inspection for cracks 
on the left MLG ``A'' frame assembly P/N 105-810023-3, 105-810023-
67, or 105-810023-75 and the right MLG ``A'' frame assembly P/N 105-
810023-4, 105-810023-68, or 105-810023-76 and, before further 
flight, take all necessary corrective actions. Do all actions by 
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4 through 13, 
of Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156, dated May 3, 
2019.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in Related Information.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager

[[Page 20445]]

of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Brian Adamson, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4193; fax: (316) 
946-4107; email: [email protected] or [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156, dated May 
3, 2019.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For the Beechcraft service information identified in this 
AD, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706, 
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-5800; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://txtav.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-08100 Filed 4-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P