Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R334/4-82-F/13 Propeller Assemblies

[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4351-4353]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-1983]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-50-AD; Amendment 39-12623; AD 2002-01-28]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R334/4-
82-F/13 Propeller Assemblies

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 Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R334/4-82-F/13 with 
propeller hub assemblies, part number (P/N) 660709201. This action 
requires a one-time ultrasonic inspection of the propeller hub for 
cracks. This amendment is prompted by a report of an in-flight loss of 
a propeller. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
propeller hub failure due to cracks in the hub, which could result in 
loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective February 14, 2002. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of February 14, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 1, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-50-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at this location, 
by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via the Internet 
using the following address: ``[email protected]''.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Dowty Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester 
GL2 9QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 716001. This 
information may be examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England 
Region, Office of the Regional 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: Frank Walsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; 
telephone (781) 238-7158; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is 
the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on Dowty Aerospace 
Propellers Type R334/4-82-F/13 with propeller hub assemblies, P/N 
660709201. On September 23, 2001, a complete R334/4-82-F/13 propeller 
separated from the engine flange on a Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. 
(CASA) 212 airplane. Laboratory analysis of the retained portion of the 
hub indicated that fatigue cracks had emanated from multiple origins in 
five of the eight insert bolt hole locations of the rear half of the 
hub wall. These fatigue cracks propagated outward in a radial direction 
relative to the axis of the threaded insert. The fatigue cracks then 
intersected the spigot diameter and the center bore hole of the hub. 
The remainder of the hub fracture resulted from fatigue cracks

[[Page 4352]]

propagating circumferential to hub failure and release. The CAA also 
advised the FAA that the CAA received a report of a similar incident on 
another CASA airplane. The incident date was not provided, but the CAA 
indicated that it was within the past 1 \1/2\ to 2 year period.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Dowty Aerospace Propellers has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No. 61-
1119, Revision 2, dated December 6, 2001, that specifies procedures for 
ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of the rear half of the 
propeller hub for cracks. The CAA classified this service bulletin as 
mandatory and issued CAA UK AD No. 003-11-2001, dated November 30, 
2001, in order to assure the airworthiness of these Dowty Aerospace 
Propellers in the UK.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service 
Information

    Although Appendix A of Dowty Aerospace Propellers SB No. 61-1119, 
Revision 2, dated December 6, 2001, requires reporting the inspection 
data to Dowty Aerospace Propellers, this AD requires that the data be 
reported to the Boston Aircraft Certification Office of the FAA.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This propeller model is manufactured in the UK and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
CAA, has reviewed all available information, and has determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R334/4-82-F/
13 with propeller hub assemblies, P/N 660709201, this AD is being 
issued to prevent propeller hub failure due to cracks in the hub, which 
could result in loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires a 
one-time ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of the rear half of the 
propeller hub for cracks. The actions must be done in accordance with 
the service bulletin described previously.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    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. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line. 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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NE-50-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined 
in Executive Order 13132, because it would 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 final rule.
    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 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:

2002-01-28  Dowty Aerospace Propellers: Amendment 39-12623. Docket 
No. 2001-NE-50-AD.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Dowty 
Aerospace Propellers, Type R334/4-82-F/13, with propeller hub 
assemblies, part number (P/N) 660709201. These propeller hub 
assemblies are installed on, but not limited to, Construcciones 
Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) 212 airplanes.

    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 (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of

[[Page 4353]]

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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done.
    To prevent propeller hub failure due to cracks in the hub, which 
could result in loss of control of the airplane, do the following:

Hub Inspection

    (a) Within 50 flight hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, or within 60 days after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, perform an ultrasonic 
inspection of the rear wall of the rear half of the propeller hub 
for cracks in accordance with Appendix A of Dowty Aerospace 
Propellers Service Bulletin (SB) No. 61-1119, Revision 2, dated 
December 6, 2001.

Inspection Reporting Requirements

    (b) Record the initial inspection data on a copy of Appendix B, 
of Dowty Aerospace Propellers SB No. 61-1119, Revision 2, dated 
December 6, 2001, and report the findings to the Manager, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299 within 10 days after the inspection. Reporting requirements 
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and 
assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.

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, Boston ACO. Operators must submit 
their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Boston ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Boston ACO.

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 done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference

    (e) The inspection must be done in accordance with the following 
Dowty Aerospace Propellers service bulletin (SB):

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            Document No.                             Pages                                 Revision                                 Date
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SB No. 61-1119.....................  1-2..................................  2....................................  December 6, 2001
Appendix A.........................  1....................................  1....................................  November 27, 2001.
                                     2....................................  Original.............................  November 1, 2001.
                                     3-6..................................  1....................................  November 27, 2001.
Appendix B.........................  All..................................  Original.............................  November 1, 2001.
Appendix C.........................  All..................................  Original.............................  November 27, 2001.
Appendix D.........................  All..................................  Original.............................  December 6, 2001.
Total pages: 29
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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 Dowty Propellers, Anson Business 
Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL2 9QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 
1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 716001. This information may be 
examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of 
the Regional 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Civil Aviation 
Authority airworthiness directive AD 003-11-2001 dated November 30, 
2001.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on February 14, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 18, 2002.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-1983 Filed 1-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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