Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Y-Shank Series Propellers

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 4, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17806-17809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-8066]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD; Amendment 39-12168; AD 2001-07-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Y-Shank Series 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. Y-shank series 
propellers, identified by hub serial numbers, that were returned to 
service by Brothers Aero Services Company, Inc. (BASCO). This AD 
requires maintenance actions amounting to an overhaul of affected 
propellers. This amendment is prompted by reports of propellers 
returned to service by BASCO as overhauled that had numerous unsafe 
conditions after being returned to service by BASCO. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent propeller failure of the 
propellers returned to service by BASCO, and possible loss of airplane 
control.

DATES: Effective date June 4, 2001.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Hartzell Propeller Inc., Technical Publications 
Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-
4200, fax (937) 778-4365. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. 
The rulemaking docket may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of

[[Page 17807]]

the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-
7031, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. Y-
shank series propellers, identified by hub serial numbers (SN's), that 
were returned to service by BASCO was published in the Federal Register 
on September 20, 1999 (64 FR 50781).
    The FAA examined the results of teardown inspections of six 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Y-Shank series propellers returned to service 
as overhauled by BASCO. Those propellers contained numerous unsafe 
conditions. BASCO formerly held Air Agency Certificate Number B4TR903J. 
That certificate was revoked by an Amended Order of Revocation, dated 
May 12, 1999. The investigation that led to that Order of Revocation 
revealed that an additional 71 propellers had been returned to service 
by BASCO from November 1996 through October 1998 that likely have the 
same unsafe conditions present. The following unsafe conditions have 
been found in propellers returned to service by BASCO:
    <bullet> BASCO either introduced or failed to remove potential 
failure sites (nicks and scratches) in the shank area of the blades,
    <bullet> BASCO failed to perform a cold rolling operation on 
propeller blade shanks,
    <bullet> Scratches were found in the blade internal bearing bore 
radius,
    <bullet> Blades were found to be below minimum dimensions,
    <bullet> Alodine and paint were applied over corrosion on hubs and 
blades,
    <bullet> Low pitch blade angles were out of specification,
    <bullet> The blade surface, beneath the de-ice boots, was not 
painted nor treated with a chemical conversion coating (Alodine),
    <bullet> Bolts were incorrectly torqued,
    <bullet> Wrong parts were used or parts were incorrectly installed,
    <bullet> Parts intended for removal from service at overhaul and to 
be replaced with new, unused parts, were reused.
    These conditions, if not corrected, could result in propeller 
failure of the propellers returned to service by BASCO, and possible 
loss of airplane control.
    This AD requires maintenance actions that amount to an overhaul of 
the affected propellers, identified by hub SN. One of the required 
actions is a cold rolling operation on the blade shanks, which is part 
of the manufacturer's recommended overhaul. Not all propeller repair 
facilities have the equipment to properly perform this operation. 
Additionally, repair facilities must first be qualified by the 
manufacturer to perform the process and then repetitively requalify and 
recalibrate the machine used in the process.

Comments Received

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request for Propeller Model Number Cross Reference to Hub SN's 
Listed in This AD

    Two commenters request that the propeller model number be listed 
with the corresponding hub SN. One commenter feels that listing the 
propeller model number will simplify the process of determining whether 
the propeller is affected by this AD. Another commenter performed a 
computer search and did not find the AD to be applicable when it was. 
The FAA agrees in part. Due to the inaccuracies of model identifiers in 
the repair station documentation, the FAA is unable to delineate 
specific propeller models without causing greater confusion. In 
addition, listing all the various propeller models will be too 
voluminous. However, the applicability paragraph has been rewritten to 
clarify that the AD applies to the ``Y-shank series propellers'' 
identified by hub SN, and by denoting a general model number for the Y-
shank series propeller models. Concerning the computer search problems, 
it is unfortunate that the cumbersome propeller nomenclature system 
causes difficulties in computer searches. This problem should be 
directed to the private software company, which may be able to address 
it in the future.

Request To Expand the Applicability to Additional Propellers

    Two commenters request that the AD be expanded to mandate that any 
propeller that was returned to service by BASCO, regardless of 
manufacturer, be affected by the AD. The commenters believe that the 
unsafe conditions introduced by BASCO could have been introduced into 
any propeller they returned to service. The FAA partially agrees. The 
FAA is continuing to investigate this concern and will continue to 
accept comments on this issue. At this point, however, the AD is 
limited to the denoted propellers, until the FAA has sufficient 
evidence to support a finding that an unsafe condition is likely to 
exist on other propellers. If sufficient evidence is found to warrant 
expanding the applicability to additional propellers, the FAA will 
revise the AD. It is noted that some of the serial numbers in Table 1 
were not recognized by Hartzell, but that the repair station 
documentation was adequate to substantiate those to be Hartzell 
propellers with possible partial or fabricated SN's.

FAA Determination

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that the changes based upon the 
above comments will neither increase the economic burden on any 
operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Economic Impact

    The FAA estimates that 77 propellers installed on airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD and that it would cost 
on average approximately $1,300 to overhaul each propeller. Based on 
these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $100,100.

Regulatory Impact

    This rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in 
Executive Order 13132, because it does 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. Accordingly, 
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication 
of this rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy

[[Page 17808]]

of it 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:
2001-07-03  Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-12168. Docket No. 
99-NE-21-AD:

    Applicability. This AD is applicable to all Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. Y-shank series propellers and those identified by hub serial 
numbers (SN's) in Table 1 of this airworthiness directive (AD). The 
Y-shank series propellers has the letter Y in the model number which 
can be denoted in general as:
(  )HC-(  )(  )Y(  )-(  ).

                      Table 1.--Hub Serial Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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121, 251, 715, 1111, 1387, 1661, 2383, 2479, 2883, 3059, 3343, 3479,
 3717, 3890, 3990, 4690, and 5523
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AM911
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AN1309, AN2773, AN2826, AN2828, and AN3883
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AU42, AU696, AU814, AU992, AU1226, AU1290, AU1416, AU2641, AU2643,
 AU2658, AU2699, AU2847, AU7186E, AU8364A, AU8418A and AU12997
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BP344, BP715, BP1276, BP1772, BP2121, BP3811, BP3763, BP3978, BP5674,
 BP6126, BP6194, BP7141, BP7297, BP7513, BP8199, BP8708, and BP9586
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CH6190 & CH19251
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CJ52, CJ54, CJ419, and CJ649
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DA1404 and DA1418
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DG101
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DJ4431, DJ4449, DJ9521A, DJ10407A, DJ11249A, DJ11880A, and DJ11881A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DN3775
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DV11 and DV12
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FH307
P560
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: This AD applies to each propeller 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 propellers 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.


    Note 2: This AD is limited to propellers returned to service 
from November 1996 to October 1998 by Brothers Aero Service Company, 
Inc. (BASCO), Air Agency Certificate Number B4TR903J, revoked by 
Amended Order of Revocation, dated May 12, 1999.

Compliance

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless 
accomplished previously.
    To prevent propeller failure of the propellers returned to 
service by BASCO, and possible loss of airplane control, accomplish 
the following:

Required Actions

    (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of 
this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Disassemble,
    (2) Clean,
    (3) Inspect for the following:
    (i) Nicks,
    (ii) Scratches,
    (iii) Failure of blades to meet minimum dimensions,
    (iv) Alodine or paint or both applied over corrosion,
    (v) Lack of chemical conversion coating applied beneath the de-
ice boots,
    (vi) Bolts incorrectly torqued,
    (vii) Incorrect parts,
    (viii) Incorrect installation of parts, and
    (ix) Reinstallation of parts intended for one-time use.
    (4) Repair and replace with serviceable parts, as necessary,
    (5) Perform a cold roll operation on the blade shanks,
    (6) Reassemble and test.

    Note 3: Information on performing an overhaul of the affected 
propellers may be found in the applicable Hartzell Propeller Inc. 
Overhaul Manual.


    Note 4: For a current list of propeller overhaul facilities 
approved to perform the blade shank cold rolling procedure contact 
Hartzell Product Support, telephone: (937) 778-4379. Not all 
propeller repair facilities have the equipment to properly perform a 
cold roll of the blade shanks.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the

[[Page 17809]]

Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 5: 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.

Effective Date of This AD

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 4, 2001.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 27, 2001.
Diane S. Romanosky,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-8066 Filed 4-3-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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