[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 63 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16782-16785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-7908]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-46; Amendment 39-9178; AD 94-26-07]


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. TPE331 Series 
Turboprop Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule, request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-26-07 that was sent previously 
to all known U.S. owners and operators of AlliedSignal Inc. TPE331 
series turboprop engines by individual letters. This AD requires an 
amendment to the Emergency Procedures section of the applicable FAA 
Approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for each applicable engine 
installation in an aircraft, and initial and repetitive dimensional 
inspections of the fuel control drive shaft splines for wear, or 
replacing the affected fuel controls with [[Page 16783]] alternate fuel 
controls. This amendment is prompted by reports of excessive wear of 
the internal fuel control drive splines in fuel controls, which can 
result in loss of fuel control governor drive. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent an uncontained engine failure, damage 
to the aircraft, or loss of aircraft control.

DATES: Effective April 18, 1995, to all persons except those persons to 
whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 94-26-07, 
issued on December 13, 1994, which contained the requirements of this 
amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 18, 1995.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 2, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-46, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    The applicable service information may be obtained from 
AlliedSignal Inc., Aviation Services Division, Data Distribution, Dept. 
64-3/2102-1M, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 
365-2548. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England 
Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(310) 627-5246; fax (310) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 13, 1994, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive 
(AD) 94-26-07, applicable to certain AlliedSignal Inc. TPE331 series 
turboprop engines, which requires an amendment to the Emergency 
Procedures section of the applicable FAA Approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) for each applicable engine installation in an aircraft, 
and initial and repetitive dimensional inspections of the fuel control 
drive shaft splines for wear, or replacing the affected fuel controls 
with alternate fuel controls. That action was prompted by reports of 
excessive wear of the internal fuel control drive splines in fuel 
controls, Part Numbers (P/N) 897770-1 through -8, and 897780-1 through 
-11. In two instances the spline wear resulted in loss of fuel control 
governor drive. If this occurs, the underspeed fuel governor increases 
fuel flow, while the overspeed governor is inoperative and cannot limit 
engine speed.
    The FAA has determined that the most serious consequence of a loss 
of fuel control governor drive is during reverse thrust when the engine 
suddenly develops uncommanded forward thrust causing an asymmetric 
thrust condition on a twin-engine aircraft. Another serious consequence 
of a loss of fuel control governor drive is during engine start when 
rapid engine acceleration beyond normal idle speed could result in 
rotor speed sufficient to cause an uncontained turbine separation. 
During flight, when the propeller is in propeller-governing mode, the 
result will be uncommanded increased engine torque and turbine 
temperature. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in an 
uncontained engine failure, damage to the aircraft, or loss of aircraft 
control.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of the 
following service bulletins (SB): AlliedSignal Inc. Alert SB No. 
TPE331-A73-0221, Revision 2, dated October 10, 1994, applicable to 
model TPE331-11U engines, that describes procedures for dimensionally 
inspecting fuel control drive shaft splines; AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. 
TPE331-73-0224, dated August 17, 1994, and Revision 1, dated September 
8, 1994, applicable to model TPE331-11U engines, that describe 
procedures for replacing affected fuel controls with alternate fuel 
controls; AlliedSignal Inc. Alert SB No. TPE331-A73-0226, dated October 
10, 1994, applicable to certain TPE331-3, -5, -6, -10, and -12 series 
engines, that describe procedures for dimensionally inspecting fuel 
control drive shaft splines; and AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TPE331-73-
0228, dated September 16, 1994, applicable to certain TPE331-3, -5, -6, 
-10, and -12 series engines TPE331 engines, that describe procedures 
for replacing affected fuel controls with alternate fuel controls.
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other engines of the same type design, the FAA issued priority 
letter AD 94-26-07 to prevent an uncontained engine failure, damage to 
the aircraft, or loss of aircraft control. The AD requires an amendment 
to the Emergency Procedures section of the applicable FAA AFM for each 
applicable engine installation in an aircraft. This amendment to the 
applicable AFM describes conditions inflight, during ground start, and 
during reverse thrust operation that might indicate loss of fuel 
control governor drive, and provides required procedures for engine 
shutdown. These AFM changes have been coordinated with the FAA 
Directorate responsible for the certification of the aircraft involved.
    In addition, this AD requires either initial and repetitive 
dimensional inspections of the fuel control drive shaft splines for 
wear, or replacing the affected fuel controls with alternate fuel 
controls. Replacement with the alternate fuel controls constitutes 
terminating action to the repetitive inspections. The actions are 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins 
described previously.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters 
issued on December 13, 1994, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
AlliedSignal Inc. TPE331 series turboprop engines. These conditions 
still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as 
an amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to all persons.

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. 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 
[[Page 16784]] 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 notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-ANE-46.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-26-07  AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-9178. Docket 94-ANE-46.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. Models TPE331-3, -5, -6, -10, -
11U, and -12 series turboprop engines with fuel control assembly 
Part Numbers (P/N) 897770-1 through 897770-8 and 897780-1 through 
897780-11 installed in accordance with AlliedSignal Inc. Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. TPE331-73-0217, dated July 9, 1993. These engines 
are installed on but not limited to Mitsubishi MU-2B series (MU-2 
series) Solitaire/Marquise, Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. C-212 
series, British Aerospace (BAe) Jetstream 3101 and 3201 (31 and 32) 
series, Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series (Swearingen Merlin and 
Metro series), Twin Commander Models 680, 690, 695 (Jetprop 
Commander), Short Brothers and Harland, Ltd. SC7 (Skyvan), Dornier 
228 series, Beech Model B-100 series aircraft, and Ayres S-2R series 
aircraft.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the fuel control governor drive from 
excessive wear of the internal fuel control drive splines, which can 
result in loss of aircraft control, accomplish the following:
    (a) Amend the applicable FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) to provide interim emergency procedures to flight crews, 
within 20 calendar days after the effective date of airworthiness 
directive (AD), by adding the following to the Emergency Procedures 
section. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD 
into the AFM:
    ``Inflight: in the event of an uncommanded engine torque and 
turbine temperature increase, or if engine power fails to respond 
when the power level is retarded, shut down the affected engine as 
soon as possible consistent with the safe operation of the aircraft.
    Warning: be aware that the affected engine with a failed fuel 
control governor drive will typically exhibit an increase in power, 
and if the accepted ``dead foot--dead engine'' logic is employed, 
the wrong engine could be shut down because the malfunction will 
result in an increase in forward thrust from the affected engine. 
Use caution and monitor cockpit engine indications to aid in 
identifying the failure mode and the malfunctioning engine.
    During Ground Start: if an engine exhibits rapidly increasing 
RPM above idle values, immediately terminate the start.
    If an engine has been shutdown inflight as a result of 
exhibiting an uncontrolled increase in torque and turbine 
temperature, do not attempt a ground start until the fuel control is 
inspected in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    During Reverse Operation: if an engine suddenly develops forward 
thrust, immediately terminate reverse thrust. If necessary, shutdown 
both engines in order to maintain directional control.''
    (b) For AlliedSignal Model TPE331-11U engines:
    (1) Conduct initial and repetitive dimensional inspections of 
the fuel control drive shaft splines for wear in accordance with the 
compliance times and procedures described in AlliedSignal Alert 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. TPE331-A73-0221, Revision 2, dated October 
10, 1994. The initial inspection compliance times start upon the 
effective date of this priority letter AD.
    (2) Prior to further flight replace with a serviceable part 
those fuel controls with drive shaft splines that do not meet the 
return to service criteria specified in AlliedSignal Alert SB No. 
TPE331-A73-0221, Revision 2, dated October 10, 1994.
    (3) Replacement of fuel controls in accordance with the 
procedures described in AlliedSignal SB No. TPE331-73-0224, dated 
August 17, 1994, or Revision 1 of that SB, dated September 8, 1994, 
with alternate fuel controls constitutes terminating action to the 
AFM amendment specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, and the 
inspections specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this AD.
    (c) For AlliedSignal TPE331-3, -5, -6, -10, and -12 series 
engines:
    (1) Conduct initial and repetitive dimensional inspections of 
the fuel control drive shaft splines for wear in accordance with the 
compliance times and procedures described in AlliedSignal Inc. Alert 
SB No. TPE331-A73-0226, dated October 10, 1994. The initial 
inspection compliance times become effective upon the effective date 
of this AD.
    (2) Prior to further flight replace with a serviceable part 
those fuel controls with drive shaft splines that do not meet the 
return to service criteria specified in AlliedSignal Inc. Alert SB 
No. TPE331-A73-0226, dated October 10, 1994.
    (3) Replacement of fuel controls in accordance with the 
procedures described in AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TPE331-73-0228, 
dated September 16, 1994, with alternate fuel controls constitutes 
terminating action to the AFM amendment specified in paragraph (a) 
of this AD, and the inspections specified in paragraph (c)(1) of 
this AD.
    (d) For the purpose of this AD, specific driveshaft operating 
hours as referenced in AlliedSignal Alert SB No. TPE331-A73-0221, 
Revision 2, dated October 10, 1994, and AlliedSignal Inc. Alert SB 
No. TPE331-A73-0226, dated October 10, 1994, may be calculated using 
fuel control time tracking based on engine operating hours.
    (e) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR [[Page 16785]] 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a 
location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following SB's:

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                       Document No.                          Pages       Revision                Date           
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AlliedSignal Inc. Alert SB No. TPE331-A73-0226............      1-8  Original.......  October 10, 1994.         
Woodward SB No. WG64050...................................     1-13  Original.......  October 3, 1994.          
Total pages: 21.                                                                                                
AlliedSignal Inc. Alert SB No. TPE331-A73-0221............      1-3  2..............  October 10, 1994.         
                                                                  4  Original.......  June 27, 1994.            
Woodward SB No. WG64047...................................     1-12  4..............  October 3, 1994.          
Total pages: 16.                                                                                                
AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TPE331-73-0224...................        1  1..............  September 8, 1994.        
                                                                  2  Original.......  August 17, 1994.          
                                                                3-4  1..............  September 8, 1994.        
Total pages: 4.                                                                                                 
Woodward SB No. WG4044....................................      1-3  Original.......  June 28, 1993.            
Total pages: 3.                                                                                                 
AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TPE331-73-0228...................     1-10  Original.......  September 16, 1994.       
Total pages: 10.                                                                                                
AlliedSignal Inc. SB No. TPE331-73-0217...................     1-10  Original.......  July 9, 1993.             
Total pages: 10.                                                                                                
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Note: The Woodward SB's are attached to the AlliedSignal Alert SB's.                                            

    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 AlliedSignal Inc., Aviation 
Services Division, Data Distribution, Dept. 64-3/2102-1M, P.O. Box 
29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2548. Copies may 
be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant 
Chief 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.
    (h) This amendment becomes effective April 18, 1995, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by priority letter AD 94-26-07, issued December 13, 1994, 
which contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 20, 1995.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 95-7908 Filed 3-31-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P