Airworthiness directives: McDonnell Douglas,
[Federal Register: April 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 80)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 22544-22548]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27ap99-2]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. 99-NM-87-AD; Amendment 39-11138; AD 99-08-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
SUMMARY: This document published in the Federal Register an amendment
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adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 99-08-51 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires visual inspections under the floorboards in the lower center cargo compartment at frame 1681 to verify that a certain bracket and a certain open face nylon clamp are installed to a specific support wire bundle and to detect damage of the subject wire bundle; repair of damaged wiring; and installation of certain silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap around the wire bundle, if necessary. This action is prompted by an incident in which the insulation blanket between frames 1661 and 1681 in the lower center cargo compartment was found to be burnt due to a missing wiring harness support bracket/clamp on the wire bundle at frame 1681. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that such a wire harness support bracket/clamp is installed; a missing bracket/clamp could cause the wire bundle to chafe against the frame, which could result in sparks, smoke, and possible fire in the lower center cargo compartment.
DATES: Effective May 3, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 99-08-51, issued on April 9, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before June 28, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-87-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
Information pertaining to this amendment may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brett Portwood, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-130L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (562) 627-5350; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 9, 1999, the FAA issued emergency AD 99-08-51, which is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD- 11 series airplanes.
As part of its practice of re-examining all aspects of the service experience of a particular aircraft whenever an accident occurs, the FAA has become aware of an incident in which the insulation blanket between frames 1661 and 1681 in the lower center cargo compartment was found to be burnt. This incident occurred on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane.
Investigation revealed that a wiring harness (including wires with a 115 volt alternating current) of the aft cargo loader control unit was contacting the insulation blanket and rubbing against frame 1681 above stringer R46. A wire was cut, and three other wires were missing insulation. In addition, frame 1681 had signs of arcing damage. Furthermore, the exposed moisture barrier material of the insulation blanket was burnt, and a hole was detected on the insulation blanket where the wiring harness was chafing against frame 1681. Further investigation revealed that a wiring harness support bracket/clamp on the wire bundle at frame 1681 may not have been installed during production of the airplane.
This incident is not considered to be related to an accident that occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia involving a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The cause of that accident is still under investigation.
A missing wiring harness support bracket/clamp on the wire bundle at frame 1681 could cause the wire bundle to chafe against the frame, which could result in sparks, smoke, and possible fire in the lower center cargo compartment.
Other Related Rulemaking
The FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 series airplanes, is continuing to review all aspects of the service history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and to take appropriate corrective actions. This airworthiness directive is one of a series of actions identified during that process. The process is continuing and the FAA may consider additional rulemaking actions as further results of the review become available.
Explanation of Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this airworthiness directive is issued to require a visual inspection to verify that, under the floorboards in the lower center cargo compartment at frame 1681, a certain bracket and a certain open face nylon clamps are installed to a specific support wire bundle. This AD also requires a visual inspection to detect damage of the subject wire bundle; repair of damaged wiring; and installation of certain silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap around the subject wire bundle, if necessary. In addition, this AD requires that operators submit a report of the inspection results to the FAA. The repairs are required to be accomplished in accordance with the procedures specified in Chapter 20-30-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Airplane Maintenance Manual, and Chapter 20-10-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual.
Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices issued on April 9, 1999, to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons.
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 shall 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,
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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 filedin the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 99-NM-87-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
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 that it 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, is 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, 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:
99-08-51 BOEING: Amendment 39-11138. Docket 99-NM-87-AD.
Applicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, certificated in any category; having the following fuselage/factory serial numbers:
Fuselage No.
Serial No.
532.......................................................
48532 542.......................................................
48565 543.......................................................
48566 544.......................................................
48533 545.......................................................
48549 546.......................................................
48470 547.......................................................
48406 548.......................................................
48504 549.......................................................
48602 551.......................................................
48603 552.......................................................
48571 553.......................................................
48604 554.......................................................
48439 555.......................................................
48605 556.......................................................
48572 558.......................................................
48471 559.......................................................
48573 560.......................................................
48600 562.......................................................
48601 563.......................................................
48633 564.......................................................
48513 566.......................................................
48574 568.......................................................
48575 570.......................................................
48542 572.......................................................
48543 574.......................................................
48576 576.......................................................
48415 579.......................................................
48631 580.......................................................
48544 582.......................................................
48632 583.......................................................
48577 587.......................................................
48545 588.......................................................
48578 589.......................................................
48546 590.......................................................
48743 592.......................................................
48744 594.......................................................
48747 595.......................................................
48748 596.......................................................
48745 597.......................................................
48746 598.......................................................
48749 599.......................................................
48579 600.......................................................
48766 601.......................................................
48768 602.......................................................
48767 603.......................................................
48769 604.......................................................
48754 605.......................................................
48623 607.......................................................
48770 608.......................................................
48753 609.......................................................
48773 610.......................................................
48774 613.......................................................
48755 615.......................................................
48758 616.......................................................
48775 617.......................................................
48776 618.......................................................
48777 619.......................................................
48778 620.......................................................
48779 622.......................................................
48624 623.......................................................
48756 624.......................................................
48780
Note 1: This AD only affects MD-11 airplanes equipped with a 72- inch cargo door. MD-11 series airplanes equipped with a 104-inch cargo door are not subject to the unsafe condition addressed by this AD due to the configuration of the wire bundles.
Note 2: This AD applies to each airplane 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 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 (c) 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 ensure that a wire harness support bracket/clamp is installed on the wire bundle at frame 1681, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform a one-time visual inspection under the floorboards in the lower center cargo compartment at frame 1681 (approximately one inch outboard of longeron R46) to verify that a bracket having part number P/N 9D0062-3-16-24 (or equivalent), and an open face nylon clamp having P/N NMC1001-1 or 383-1 (see Figure 1, Item 14/267), are installed to support wire bundle No. AGS9110.
(1) If the bracket and clamp are installed: Prior to further flight, perform a visual inspection to detect damage of the subject wire bundle. If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repair in accordance with Chapter 20-30-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Airplane Maintenance Manual. And
(ii) Install a silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap [Douglas Material Specification (DMS) 2109 or equivalent] around the wire bundle in the area over frame 1681 above stringer R46 in accordance with Chapter 20-10-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual.
(2) If the bracket or clamp is not installed: Prior to further flight, perform a visual inspection to detect damage (i.e., chafing, damage, or missing wire insulation) of the subject wire bundle.
(i) If no damage is detected: Prior to further flight, install a silicone rubber coated with a glass cloth protective wrap (DMS 2109 or equivalent) around the wire bundle in the area over frame 1681 above stringer R46 in accordance with Chapter 20-10-01 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Wiring Diagram Manual.
(ii) If any damage is detected: Prior to further flight, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraphs (a) and (a)(1) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection results (both positive and negative
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findings) to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; fax (562) 627-5210. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120- 0056.
(c) 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, Los Angeles ACO. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on May 3, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 99-08-51, issued on April 9, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27AP99.031
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 1999. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-10055Filed4-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
