[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 29 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-3102]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 11, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-06; Amendment 39-8818; AD 94-03-11]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-B4 Series 
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. HC-B4 series propellers. This 
action requires a one-time inspection for fatigue cracks and rework of 
certain HC-B4 series propeller hub arm assemblies. This amendment is 
prompted by two aircraft accidents involving aircraft with HC-B4 series 
propellers and a determination that approximately 290 propeller hub arm 
assemblies that may have been exposed to operating characteristics 
similar to accident aircraft have not been inspected in accordance with 
two previous AD's, 93-09-04 and 93-12-01. The actions specified in this 
AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracks in propeller hub arm 
assemblies progressing to failure, resulting in departure of the hub 
arm and blade, and may result in engine separation and subsequent loss 
of aircraft control.

DATES: Effective February 28, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 28, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 12, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-06, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634; 
telephone (513) 778-4200. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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: Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, room 232, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (708) 
294-7130, fax (708) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 28, 1993, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive 
(AD) 93-09-04, applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-B4 series 
propellers installed on Mitsubishi Model MU-2B-60 aircraft, and 
published this AD in the Federal Register on July 22, 1993 (58 FR 
39139). That AD was prompted by two reports of propeller hub arm 
assembly fatigue failure and subsequent propeller blade separation from 
aircraft in flight. Preliminary data indicated that fatigue cracks can 
originate in the propeller hub arm assembly. That AD requires removal 
from service of propeller hub assemblies, and replacement with 
serviceable propeller hub assemblies, on Mitsubishi Model MU-2B-60 
aircraft. That condition, if not corrected, can result in fatigue 
cracks in propeller hub arm assemblies progressing to failure, 
resulting in departure of the hub arm and blade, and may result in 
engine separation and subsequent loss of aircraft control.
    Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received a report of a 
hub arm assembly with a crack indication in the hub arm that was found 
during the inspection and rework required by AD 93-09-04. The FAA 
determined it was necessary to issue a new priority letter AD 93-12-01 
on June 10, 1993, and subsequently published this AD in the Federal 
Register on September 29, 1993 (58 FR 50840). That AD requires similar 
inspections and rework on these same propeller models installed on 
Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A, -36A, and -40 aircraft, as these aircraft have 
similar operating characteristics to the Mitsubishi Model MU-2B-60 
aircraft, but have different performance limitations. Since the 
propeller installations on the Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft are 
operated at a higher propeller inflow angle during cruise than other 
aircraft with this same model propeller installed, it was necessary to 
inspect these additional MU-2B series aircraft as soon as possible.
    The FAA has determined by subsequent investigation that 
approximately 290 Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-B4 series propeller hub 
arm assemblies, that at one time may have been installed on Mitsubishi 
MU-2B series aircraft, have not been inspected in accordance with 
either AD 93-09-04 or AD 93-12-01. These propeller hub arm assemblies 
may be exchanged and installed on several different aircraft models, 
and therefore it is possible that certain propeller hub arm assemblies 
outside the assemblies inspected and reworked in accordance with AD 93-
09-04 and AD 93-12-01 may have been previously installed on a 
Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft, but are now installed on other 
aircraft models. Since these propeller hub arm assemblies may have at 
one time been exposed to the operating characteristics of Mitsubishi 
MU-2B series aircraft, the FAA has determined there is a need to 
inspect these additional hub arm assemblies for fatigue cracking.
    Although the FAA and Hartzell Propeller Inc. have conducted a 
search for HC-B4 series propeller hub arm assemblies that have been 
previously installed on Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft but that are 
now installed on other aircraft models, the list of hub arm assembly 
serial numbers included in Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. A186, dated 
January 25, 1994, cannot be viewed as exhaustive. This AD requires, 
therefore, that owners and operators of aircraft other than the 
Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft that have Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-
B4 series propellers installed determine whether their current Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. HC-B4 series propeller hub arm assemblies have seen 
previous service on Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft using methods such 
as a records check of aircraft or propeller maintenance records. The 
FAA has determined, however, that if an owner cannot determine from a 
records check if a HC-B4 propeller hub arm assembly now installed on 
another aircraft model ever saw service in a Mitsubishi MU-2B series 
aircraft and that propeller hub arm assembly is not listed in Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. ASB No. A186, dated January 25, 1994, the risk of that 
propeller hub arm assembly having seen service on a Mitsubishi MU-2B 
series aircraft is sufficiently low to warrant no further action. If 
the owner or operator determines that the currently installed Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. HC-B4 series steel propeller hub arm assembly has seen 
previous service on Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft, then it must be 
inspected for fatigue cracks and reworked.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A186, dated 
January 25, 1994, that describes procedures for identifying, inspecting 
and reworking the affected propeller hub arm assemblies.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-B4 series 
propellers of the same type design, this AD is being issued to require 
inspection for fatigue cracks and rework of certain Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. HC-B4 series propeller hub arm assemblies to prevent failure. The 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert 
service bulletin described previously.
    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 94-ANE-06.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-03-11 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-8818. Docket 94-ANE-
06.

    Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-B4 series propellers, 
except those propellers installed on Mitsubishi MU-2B-26A, -36A, -
40, and -60 aircraft. The affected propellers are installed on but 
not limited to the following aircraft: Beech F90 King Air, A100 and 
A100A King Air, B100 King Air; Construcciones Aeronauticas, SA 
(CASA) C-212-CB, -CC, and -CF; Dehavilland Heron--Saunders 
conversion ST-27B; Dornier DO228-100, -101, -200, -201, -202, -212; 
Embraer EMB-121A1 Xingu; Fairchild SA226-TB Merlin IIIB; Let L-410A; 
and Shorts SC-7 series 3, variant 200. NOTE: This airworthiness 
directive (AD) does not contain an exhaustive list of aircraft which 
utilize these propellers. Other Type Certificated models may not be 
included in the list, and other aircraft may use the affected 
propeller models through, for example, installation approvals made 
by Supplemental Type Certificate or FAA Form 337 ``Major Repair and 
Alteration.'' It is the responsibility of the owner, operator, or 
person returning the aircraft to service to determine if an aircraft 
has an affected propeller.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent possible fatigue cracks in propeller hub arm 
assemblies progressing to failure, resulting in departure of the hub 
arm and blade, that may result in engine separation and subsequent 
loss of aircraft control, accomplish the following:
    (a) For each Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-B4 series propeller 
currently installed on an aircraft other than Mitsubishi MU-2B 
series aircraft, determine if the propeller hub arm assembly has 
ever seen service on a Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft prior to 
performing the inspections required by the compliance schedule 
contained in paragraph (b) of this AD:
    (1) Determine if the currently installed propeller hub assembly 
matches a serial number (S/N) in Table 1 of Hartzell Propeller Inc. 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. A186, dated January 25, 1994; and
    (2) If the currently installed propeller hub assembly's S/N is 
not listed in Table 1 of Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. A186, dated 
January 25, 1994, and an aircraft and propeller maintenance record 
search confirms the currently installed propeller hub assembly has 
not been previously installed on a Mitsubishi MU-2B series aircraft, 
or the service history cannot be determined, no further action is 
required.
    (3) If the record search reveals that the S/N of the currently 
installed propeller hub arm assembly is listed in Table 1 of 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. A186, dated January 25, 1994, or the 
propeller hub arm assembly was installed previously on a Mitsubishi 
MU-2B series aircraft, remove the propeller hub arm assembly in 
accordance with the compliance schedule listed in paragraph (b) of 
this AD, and inspect and rework in accordance with the requirements 
of paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (b) For propeller hub arm assemblies identified in paragraph 
(a)(3) of this AD, remove from service in accordance with the 
following schedule: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Time in service since new on the                                      
 effective date of this AD (TSN) or                                     
 assemblies that have experienced a          Compliance required        
            blade strike                                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greater than or equal to 3,000       Within the next 300 hours time in  
 hours TSN.                           service (TIS), the next scheduled 
                                      overhaul, or 24 calendar months   
                                      after the effective date of this  
                                      AD, whichever occurs first.       
Less than 3,000 hours TSN..........  Prior to the accumulation of 3,300 
                                      hours TSN, the next scheduled     
                                      overhaul, or 24 calendar months   
                                      after the effective date of this  
                                      AD, whichever occurs first.       
Regardless of TSN, propeller hub     Within the next 100 hours TIS, or 2
 arm assemblies that have             calendar months after the         
 experienced a blade strike prior     effective date of this AD,        
 to the effective date of this AD.    whichever occurs first.           
 See paragraph (e) of this AD for                                       
 the definition of blade strike.                                        
Regardless of TSN, propeller hub     Prior to further flight.           
 arm assemblies that experience a                                       
 blade strike after the effective                                       
 date of this AD. See paragraph (e)                                     
 of this AD for the definition of a                                     
 blade strike.                                                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Remove affected propeller hub arm assemblies from the 
aircraft and return to Hartzell Service Center, 5465 West State 
Route 185, Piqua, OH 45356-2634 USA, telephone (513) 778-4205, for 
inspection and specified rework, in accordance with Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. ASB No. A186, dated January 25, 1994.
    (d) Reinstall serviceable propeller hub arm assemblies that had 
the hub arm bores inspected and reworked, as necessary, pilot tubes 
replaced, and were marked at the end of the hub arm assembly S/N 
with a suffix letter ``M'' in accordance with Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. ASB No. A186, dated January 25, 1994.
    (e) A blade strike is defined as a propeller having any blade or 
blades that have been bent beyond serviceable limits in accordance 
with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Letter (SL) 61S, dated December 
10, 1993.
    (f) The ``calendar month'' compliance time stated in this AD 
allows the performance of the required action prior to the last day 
of the month in which compliance is required.

    Note: For example, if action is required 2 calendar months from 
April 28, 1994, the required actions are to be performed not later 
than June 30, 1994.

    (g) 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. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 1: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    Note 2: Although Hartzell Service Center is presently the only 
FAA-approved repair facility authorized to conduct the requirements 
of this AD, other facilities may be authorized through the 
alternative method of compliance procedure in paragraph (g) of this 
AD.

    (h) Except when propeller hub arm assemblies experience a blade 
strike after the effective date of this AD, special flight permits 
may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate 
the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be 
accomplished.
    (i) The removal, inspection, and rework shall be done in 
accordance with the following service documents: 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document No.              Pages     Revision         Date    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hartzell ASB No. A186..............     1-5  Original....  January 25,  
                                                            1994.       
                                    --------                            
  Total pages......................       5                             
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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., One 
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634. Copies may be inspected at 
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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.
    (j) This amendment becomes effective on February 28, 1994.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 2, 1994.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-3102 Filed 2-10-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P