Airworthiness directives: Raytheon,
[Federal Register: October 10, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 197)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 58578-58581]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10oc03-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[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.
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: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov. 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.
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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:
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Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
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Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
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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
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(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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