Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes (Type Certificate Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation)

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 235 (Monday, December 7, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78699-78702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26773]



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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 235 / Monday, December 7, 2020 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 78699]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0718; Project Identifier 2019-CE-045-AD; Amendment 
39-21343; AD 2020-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation, Inc. Airplanes (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Beechcraft Corporation)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron) (type certificate previously 
held by Beechcraft Corporation) Models F90, 65-90, 65-A90, B90, C90, 
H90 (T-44A), E90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-21A, RU-21D, U-21G, RU-
21H), 65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-A90-4 (RU-21E, RU-21H), 
99, 99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100, A100 (U-21F), and B100 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the 
lower forward wing fitting. This AD requires a one-time inspection for 
the presence of washer part number (P/N) 90-380058-1 on the left-hand 
(LH) and right-hand (RH) lower forward wing bolt and, if applicable, 
removing washer P/N 90-380058-1, inspecting the wing fitting, bolt, and 
nut, replacing the wing fitting if it is cracked, and replacing the 
washer with washer P/N 90-380019-1. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 11, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 11, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Textron Aviation Inc., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277; phone: 
316-517-5800; internet: https://txtav.com/. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 901 Locust St., Kansas City, MO 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 816-329-4148. It 
is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0718.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0718; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, any comments received, and other information. The 
address for Docket Operations is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian C. Adamson, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR-7K3, FAA, 1801 Airport Rd, Wichita, 
KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4193; fax: 316-946-4107; email: 
[email protected] or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Textron (type 
certificate previously held by Beechcraft Corporation) Models F90, 65-
90, 65-A90, B90, C90, H90 (T-44A), E90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-
21A, RU-21D, U-21G, RU-21H), 65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-
A90-4 (RU-21E, RU-21H), 99, 99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100, 
A100 (U-21F), and B100 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on July 29, 2020 (85 FR 45545).
    The NPRM was prompted by Textron receiving reports of fatigue 
cracks in the lower forward wing fitting on two airplanes. 
Investigation revealed that installing washer P/N 90-380058-1 on the 
wing bolt will cause a premature torque indication. This washer may 
have been installed as part of kit 101-4024-3 on Models F90, 65-90, 65-
A90, B90, C90, H90 (T-44A), E90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-21A, RU-
21D, U-21G, RU-21H), 65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-A90-4 
(RU-21E, RU-21H), 99, 99A, 99A (FACH), A99, A99A, B99, C99, 100, A100 
(U-21F), and B100 airplanes, or as part of kit 90-4077-1 on Models 65-
90, 65-A90, 65-A90-1 (JU-21A, U-21A, RU-21A, RU-21D, U-21G, RU-21H), 
65-A90-2 (RU-21B), 65-A90-3 (RU-21C), 65-A90-4 (RU-21E, RU-21H), B90, 
C90, and E90 airplanes. Under-torque of the wing bolt causes a reduced 
clamping force that changes the load path reacted by the RH and LH 
lower forward wing fitting.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time inspection for 
the presence of washer P/N 90-380058-1 on the LH and RH lower forward 
wing bolt and, if applicable, removing washer P/N 90-380058-1, 
inspecting the wing fitting, bolt, and nut, replacing the wing fitting 
if it is cracked, and replacing the washer with washer P/N 90-380019-1. 
This condition, if not addressed, could result in fatigue cracks that 
lead to failure of the forward lower wing fitting, wing separation, and 
loss of airplane control.

Comments

    The FAA received one comment from an individual commenter. The 
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to the comment.

Request Change to Applicability

    An individual commenter requested that the AD identify the 
applicable airplanes by serial number. The commenter stated that on the 
Beech Model C90A serial number LJ[hyphen]1450 airplane, the lower front 
wing connections are designed as shear fittings with shear bolts, and 
therefore the washers are not affected. The FAA disagrees. The AD, as 
proposed, clearly lists the applicable airplane models and serial 
numbers. The FAA responded to the commenter by email and advised that 
the AD, as proposed, would not apply to the Model C90A. A copy of the 
comment and the FAA's response is in the AD docket.

[[Page 78700]]

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Beechcraft Mandatory Service Letter MTL-57-01, 
Revision 1, dated September 19, 2018. The service information contains 
procedures for a one-time inspection for the presence of washer P/N 90-
380058-1 on the LH and RH lower forward wing bolt and, if applicable, 
removing washer P/N 90-380058-1; inspecting the wing fitting, bolt, and 
nut; replacing the wing fitting if it is cracked; and replacing the 
washer with washer P/N 90-380019-1. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information specifies inspecting within 200 flight 
hours or 12 months, whichever occurs earlier. This AD would require 
inspecting within the next 200 flight hours or 12 months, whichever 
occurs later.
    The service information applies to Models A100A and A100C 
airplanes, and to Model F90 with S/N LA-1. This AD would not apply to 
these airplanes because they do not have an FAA type certificate.
    This AD would apply to military Models T-44A, JU-21A, RU-21A, RU-
21B, RU-21C, RU-21D, RU-21E, RU-21H, U-21A, U-21F, U-21G, and FACH 
airplanes, because these models have a civil counterpart that is 
subject to the unsafe condition. The service information does not apply 
to all of these military models.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 1,319 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost              Parts cost             product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection for washer P/N 90-     0.3 work-hour x $85  Not applicable...........          $25.50      $33,634.50
 380058-1 (LH Wing Fitting).       per hour = $25.50.
Inspection for washer P/N 90-     0.3 work-hour x $85  Not applicable...........           25.50       33,634.50
 380058-1 (RH Wing Fitting).       per hour = $25.50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of airplanes 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                Action                        Labor cost                    Parts cost                product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RH Wing bolt, washer, and nut removal  8 work-hours x $85 per    $335...........................          $1,015
                                        hour = $680.
LH Wing bolt, washer, and nut removal  8 work-hours x $85 per    $335...........................           1,015
                                        hour = 680.
Inspection of RH Lower Forward Wing    2 work-hours x $85 per    Not applicable.................             170
 Fitting.                               hour = 170.
Inspection of LH Lower Forward Wing    2 work-hours x $85 per    Not applicable.................             170
 Fitting.                               hour = 170.
Removal and Replacement of P/N 50-     150 work-hours x $85 per  $7,297.85......................       20,047.85
 120073-8 RH Lower Forward Wing         hour = 12,750.
 Fitting.
Removal and Replacement of P/N 50-     150 work-hours x $85 per  $11,812.56.....................       24,562.56
 120073-7 LH Lower Forward Wing         hour = 12,750.
 Fitting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in this cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

[[Page 78701]]

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:

2020-25-01 Textron Aviation, Inc., (Type Certificate Previously Held 
by Beechcraft Corporation): Amendment 39-21343; Docket No. FAA-2020-
0718; Project Identifier 2019-CE-045-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 11, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

 (c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Textron Aviation Inc., (Textron) (type 
certificate previously held by Beechcraft Corporation) airplanes, 
certificated in any category, identified in table 1 to paragraph (c) 
of this AD:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR07DE20.006

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC): 5700, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by information provided by Textron that a 
washer assembly may provide premature torque indication that could 
lead to cracking of the wing fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent such fatigue cracks. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in failure of the forward lower wing fitting, which 
could lead to wing separation and loss of airplane control.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified below, 
unless already done.

(g) Action

    (1) Within the next 200 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, inspect each washer assembly attached to the 
left and right lower forward wing bolts and remove all part number 
90-380058-1 washers in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraphs 3 through 5, of Beechcraft Mandatory 
Service Letter MTL-57-01, Revision 1, dated September 19, 2018 (MTL-
57-01, Revision 1). In all locations where a washer part number 90-
380058-1 was removed, do the following:
    (i) Inspect the bolt, nut, and fitting in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 6, of MTL-57-01, Revision 1. 
If there is a crack in the fitting, replace the fitting before 
further flight.
    (ii) Install a part number 90-380019-1 washer in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 7, of MTL-57-01, Revision 
1.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install washer 
part number 90-380058-1 on any airplane listed in table 1 to 
paragraph (c) of this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Brian C. Adamson, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR-7K3, FAA, 1801 
Airport Rd., Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4193; fax: 316-946-
4107; email: [email protected] or [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the 
AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in 
the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, 
your local FSDO.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Brian C. Adamson, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, AIR-7K3, FAA, 1801 
Airport Rd., Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4193; fax: 316-946-
4107; email: [email protected] or [email protected].

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this 
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Beechcraft Mandatory Service Letter MTL-57-01, Revision 1, 
dated September 19, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For Beechcraft service information identified in this AD, 
contact Textron Aviation Inc., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277: 
phone: 316-517-5800; internet: https://txtav.com/.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

[[Page 78702]]

    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email: [email protected] or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 23, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-26773 Filed 12-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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