Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Steel Hub Turbine Propellers

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 20, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23625-23628]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-11518]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0114; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-03-AD; 
Amendment 39-15910; AD 2009-10-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Steel Hub 
Turbine Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. steel hub turbine propellers, with any 
counterweight slug attachment bolts, part number (P/N) B-3386-14H, LFC 
manufacturing lot 224, installed. This AD requires identifying and 
removing all counterweight slug attachment bolts, P/N B-3386-14H, LFC 
manufacturing lot 224, from service and installing serviceable bolts. 
This AD results from two reports of failure of the bolts that attach 
the propeller blade counterweight slug, and separation of the 
counterweight slug which led to propeller vibration and damage to the 
propeller spinner. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of the

[[Page 23626]]

propeller blade counterweight slug, which could lead to injury and 
damage to the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 4, 2009. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of June 4, 2009.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by July 20, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Docket Management Facility, Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Smyth, Senior Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (847) 294-8110; fax (847) 294-7132.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In October 2008, we became aware of two 
reports of failure of the bolts that attach the propeller blade 
counterweight slug, and separation of the counterweight slug which led 
to propeller vibration and damage to the propeller spinner. 
Investigation by Hartzell Propeller Inc. revealed that the bolts failed 
due to a bolt manufacturing defect. Hartzell Propeller Inc. determined 
that the bolts in LFC manufacturing lot 224, are suspect for having 
this defect. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
separation of the propeller blade counterweight slug, which could lead 
to injury and damage to the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. HC-ASB-61-313, Revision 
2, dated March 27, 2009. That ASB lists the affected Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. steel hub turbine propeller models and describes procedures for 
identifying and removing all counterweight slug attachment bolts, P/N 
B-3386-14H, LFC manufacturing lot 224, from service, and installing 
serviceable bolts.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. steel hub turbine propellers 
of the same type design. For that reason, we are issuing this AD to 
prevent separation of the propeller blade counterweight slug, which 
could lead to injury and damage to the airplane. This AD requires 
identifying and removing all counterweight slug attachment bolts, P/N 
B-3386-14H, LFC manufacturing lot 224, from service, within the next 50 
flight hours after the effective date of the AD, and installing 
serviceable bolts. You must use the service information described 
previously to perform the actions required by this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    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 send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2009-0114; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-03-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment 
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement 
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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.
    We are 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

    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    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 at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

[[Page 23627]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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:

2009-10-14 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-15910. Docket No. 
FAA-2009-0114; Directorate Identifier 2009-NE-03-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 4, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Hartzell Propeller Inc. steel hub 
turbine propellers listed in Table 1 of this AD, with any 
counterweight slug attachment bolts, part number (P/N) B-3386-14H, 
LFC manufacturing lot 224, installed. These propellers are installed 
on, but not limited to, the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                 Table 1--Propeller Models Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Airplane
       Propeller model            manufacturer         Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HC-B3TN-5K..................  AERO COMMANDER......  680T, 680V, 681.
HC-B3TN-5DL, -5FL, -5NL.....  AERO COMMANDER......  690(A, B, C), 695A.
HC-A3MVF-7B.................  AEROSPACE             N22B, N24A, N22S,
                               TECHNOLOGIES.         N22C.
HC-A3VF-7, -7B..............  AEROSPACE             N22B, N24A, N22S,
                               TECHNOLOGIES.         N22C.
HC-B5MP-3A, -3C.............  AIR TRACTOR.........  AT-502A.
HC-B5MP-3C..................  AIR TRACTOR.........  AT-503, 602.
HC-B5MA-3D(T)...............  AIR TRACTOR.........  AT-802.
HC-B5MP-3F..................  AIR TRACTOR.........  AT-802.
HC-B5MA-5A..................  ANTONOV.............  AN-38.
HC-B3TN-5V..................  AYRES...............  S-2R.
HC-B4TN-5NL, -5PL...........  AYRES...............  S-2R(-1340), -G(5,
                                                     6, 10), -R3S, -
                                                     R1820, -T(6, 11,
                                                     15, 34, 45, 65).
HC-B5MP-3C..................  AYRES...............  S-2R(HG)-T65.
HC-B3TN-3AE.................  AYRES...............  S-2R-T( ).
HC-B3TN-5K..................  BAE (JETSTREAM).....  137.
HC-B4MP-3A..................  BEECH...............  1900C.
HC-B4MP-3B..................  BEECH...............  300, 300LW.
HC-B3TF-7A..................  BEECH...............  A36, A36TC.
HC-B4MP-3C..................  BEECH...............  B300, B300C.
HC-B4MN-5AL.................  CASA................  C-212-CC, -CF.
HC-B3TF-7A..................  CESSNA..............  206.
HC-B3TF-7...................  CESSNA..............  402.
HC-B3MN-3...................  CESSNA..............  208, 208A, 208B.
HC-B3TN-3AEY, -3AF..........  CESSNA..............  208, 208A, 208B.
HC-B3TF-7A..................  CESSNA..............  P210N.
HC-B3TN-3AEY................  DE HAVILLAND CANADA.  DHC-3.
HC-B4TN-5NL.................  DE HAVILLAND CANADA.  DHC-3.
HC-B5MA-3M..................  DE HAVILLAND CANADA.  DHC-4.
HC-B4TN-5ML.................  DORNIER.............  DO228-100, -101, -
                                                     200, -201, -202, -
                                                     212.
HC-B4TN-5L..................  DORNIER.............  DO228-200, -201, -
                                                     202, -212.
HC-B5MA-3(J, M, C)..........  DOUGLAS.............  DC-3C.
HC-B5MA-2...................  EMBRAER.............  EMB-314.
HC-B4TN-5EL, -5HL, -5KL.....  FAIRCHILD AIRCRAFT..  SA-226T(B).
HC-B3TF-7, -7A..............  FLUG & FAHRZEUGWERKE  AS202/32TP.
                               AG.
HC-B3TF-7A..................  FUJI................  KM-2D (T-5).
HC-B5MP-5...................  GRUMMAN.............  S-2.
HC-B5MA-5H..................  GRUMMAN.............  S-2F3AT.
HC-3BTF-7A..................  MAULE...............  M-7-420, MX(T)-7-
                                                     420.
HC-B4TN-5DL, -5GL, -5JL.....  MITSUBISHI..........  MU-2B-25A, -26A, -
                                                     30, -35A, -36A, -40
                                                     (MU-2P), -60 (MU-
                                                     2N).
HC-B5MP-3(A)................  NORD................  262 FRAKES.
HC-B5MP-3C..................  NORMAN AEROPLANE....  NAC 6-65.
HC-B5MP-3D..................  POLISH AVIATION       M-28, -28B.
                               (MIELEC).
HC-B5MP-3G..................  POLISH AVIATION       M-28B.
                               (MIELEC).
HC-B3TN-5U..................  PZL MIELEC..........  M18.
HC-B4TN-5NL.................  PZL MIELEC..........  M18.
HC-B5MP-5BL.................  PZL MIELEC..........  M18.
HC-B5MP-3C..................  PZL MIELEC..........  M18, M18A, M18B.
HC-B4MN-5B..................  ROCKWELL............  OV-10 (LEFT SIDE).
HC-B4MN-5BL.................  ROCKWELL............  OV-10 (RIGHT SIDE).
HC-B5MP-3A..................  SHORT BROTHERS......  SD3-30.
HC-B5MP-3C..................  SHORT BROTHERS......  SD3-60-200, SD3-
                                                     SHERPA-200.
HC-B3TF-7A..................  SIAI MARCHETTI        F.260C, D.
                               (AERMACCHI).
HC-B3TF-7A..................  SIAI MARCHETTI        SM-1019.
                               (AERMACCHI).
HC-B3TF-7A..................  SIAI MARCHETTI        SF600 CANGURO.
                               (VULCANAIR).

[[Page 23628]]

 
HC-B5MP-3(F)................  THRUSH AIRCRAFT.....  S-2R-T660.
HC-B3TN-5FL, -5NL...........  TWIN COMMANDER......  690A, 690B, 690C.
HC-B3TF-7A..................  VALMET..............  L-90TP.
HC-B3TF-7A..................  VULCANAIR             AP68TP-300, -600.
                               (PARTENAVIA).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from two reports of failure of the bolts 
that attach the propeller blade counterweight slug, and separation 
of the counterweight slug which led to propeller vibration and 
damage to the propeller spinner. Investigation by Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. revealed that the bolts failed due to a bolt manufacturing 
defect. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of the 
propeller blade counterweight slug, which could lead to injury and 
damage to the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, unless the actions have already been done.

Identification and Removal of All Propeller Blade Counterweight Slug 
Bolts, P/N B-3386-14H, LFC Manufacturing Lot 224, From Service, and 
Installation of Serviceable Bolts

    (f) Identify and remove all propeller blade counterweight slug 
bolts, P/N B-3386-14H, LFC manufacturing lot 224, from service, and 
install serviceable bolts.
    (g) Use paragraphs 3.A.(1) through 3.A.(4)(b)5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. HC-
ASB-61-313, Revision 2, dated March 27, 2009, to do the 
identification, removals from service, and installations.

Definition

    (h) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable propeller blade 
counterweight slug bolt is a P/N B-3386-14H bolt with an LFC 
manufacturing lot other than lot 224.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (j) Contact Tim Smyth, Senior Aerospace Engineer, Chicago 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (847) 294-8110; fax (847) 294-7132, 
for more information about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-313, 
Revision 2, dated March 27, 2009, to perform the actions required by 
this AD. 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. Contact Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. Technical Publications Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, 
OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 778-4391, for a copy 
of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, New 
England Region, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at 
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 8, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-11518 Filed 5-19-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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