[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20442-20445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08100]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0819; Project Identifier 2019-CE-027-AD; Amendment
39-21500; AD 2021-08-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-06-10
for certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (type certificate now held by
Textron Aviation Inc. (Textron)) Model 76 airplanes. AD 97-06-10
required repetitively inspecting the main landing gear (MLG) ``A''
frame assemblies for cracks and replacing any cracked assembly. Since
the FAA issued AD 97-06-10, the replacement parts have also experienced
failure due to cracking. This AD requires magnetic particle inspections
of the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies for cracks and replacement of the
affected parts if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 25, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 25,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For the Beechcraft service information identified in this
final rule, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-5800; email:
[email protected]; website: https://txtav.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For
information
[[Page 20443]]
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0819.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0819; 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 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 Adamson, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100,
Wichita, KS 67209; phone: (316) 946-4193; fax: (316) 946-4107; email:
[email protected] or [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR 12949,
March 19, 1997) (AD 97-06-10). AD 97-06-10 applied to Raytheon Aircraft
Company (type certificate now held by Textron) Model 76 airplanes,
serial numbers ME-1 through ME-437 that do not have both a part number
(P/N) 105-810023-75 (left) and P/N 105-810023-76 (right) MLG ``A''
frame assembly installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
December 14, 2020 (85 FR 80693).
AD 97-06-10 required repetitive visual and dye penetrant
inspections of the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies for cracks and
replacement of any assembly found cracked. AD 97-06-10 did not apply to
Model 76 airplanes with an improved design MLG ``A'' frame assembly (P/
N 105-810023-75 and P/N 105-810023-76) installed on both the left and
right MLG. The FAA issued AD 97-06-10 to prevent MLG failure because of
a cracked ``A'' frame assembly, which could result in loss of control
of the airplane during landing.
The NPRM was prompted by reports of P/N 105-810023-75 and P/N 105-
810023-76 ``A'' frame assemblies failing due to fatigue cracking,
resulting in damage to the propeller and outboard wing area. The FAA
determined that the visual and dye penetrant inspections were not
adequately detecting cracks in the MLG ``A'' frame assemblies, because
some of the failed parts had been subjected to visual and dye penetrant
inspections within 100 hours before the failure.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive magnetic
particle inspections, which provide quicker results (after testing
setup) with improved accuracy. Also, the NPRM reflected that the type
certificate for the Model 76 airplane had been transferred from
Raytheon to Textron, and that Textron designed new replacement parts,
P/Ns 105-810023-0083 (left) and 105-810023-0084 (right), that were not
subject to the proposed repetitive magnetic particle inspections.
However, the newly designed MLG assemblies are still subject to the
repetitive inspections specified in the maintenance manual.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received two comments from an anonymous commenter. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Request Regarding New Part Numbers
One commenter stated that a Model 76 with the new A-frames had a
main gear collapse on landing in August 2020. The commenter questioned
whether the new A-frames are also subject to failure.
The FAA disagrees with this comment. The commenter did not provide
any data to show that the Textron Model 76 accident airplane, whose
landing gear failed during landing or taxi conditions, had the new A-
frames installed. Neither the FAA nor Textron have any data indicating
that P/Ns 105-8100023-0083 and 105-810023-0084 A-frames were installed
on the accident airplane. In addition, Textron has not received any
reports of failed P/Ns 105-8100023-0083 and 105-810023-0084 A-frames.
Request Regarding Estimated Cost
The commenter requested the FAA find an alternative solution that
is more affordable for operators. The commenter stated that each
magnetic particle inspection would be costly because the inspection
involves frame removal. The commenter also included documentation
showing that the cost of an A-frame from Textron is over $8,000 and,
with labor costs of $2,200 for installation, owners will spend over
$18,500 to replace the A-frames.
The FAA partially agrees with this comment. The FAA has updated the
estimated costs to reflect the costs provided by the commenter to
replace the parts. The FAA disagrees with the commenter's estimate of
labor costs to replace an A-frame, because the labor to install a
replacement part is included with the labor costs for the inspection.
The FAA has added language to the on-condition costs to clarify how the
FAA estimated the cost to replace each part. The FAA also acknowledges
that the general obligation of the operator to maintain its aircraft in
an airworthy condition is vital, but sometimes expensive.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting the AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the
NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156,
dated May 3, 2019. This service information specifies procedures for a
repetitive magnetic particle inspection for fatigue cracks adjacent to
the gussets for the torque arm of each MLG ``A'' frame and destroying
the assembly if cracks are found. The service information also
specifies procedures for installing a replacement assembly or re-
installing an assembly when no cracks are found. 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 ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 437 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 20444]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection of MLG ``A'' frame 26 work-hours x $85 Not applicable....... $2,210 $965,770
assembly. per hour = $2,210.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement of 105-810023-0083 assembly....... Not applicable *................ $8,343 $8,343
Replacement of 105-810023-0084 assembly....... Not applicable *................ 8,100 8,100
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* No additional labor cost since re-installation labor is included with the inspection cost.
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
The FAA has 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) 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.
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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR
12949, March 19, 1997); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:
2021-08-06 Textron Aviation Inc.: Amendment 39-21500; Docket No.
FAA-2020-0819; Project Identifier 2019-CE-027-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 25, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 97-06-10, Amendment 39-9967 (62 FR 12949,
March 19, 1997) (AD 97-06-10).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate
previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft
Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation) Model 76 airplanes, serial
numbers ME-1 through ME-437, certificated in any category, except
airplanes with main landing gear (MLG) ``A'' frame assemblies part
number (P/N) 105-810023-0083 (left) and P/N 105-810023-0084 (right)
installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3200; Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by cracks found in MLG ``A'' frame
assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks
in the MLG assemblies, which, if not addressed, could result in
failure of the MLG assemblies and lead to loss of control of the
airplane during landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Actions
Within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the last dye
penetrant inspection required by AD 97-06-10 or within 12 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, and
thereafter at intervals to not exceed 100 hours TIS or 12 months,
whichever occurs first, do a magnetic particle inspection for cracks
on the left MLG ``A'' frame assembly P/N 105-810023-3, 105-810023-
67, or 105-810023-75 and the right MLG ``A'' frame assembly P/N 105-
810023-4, 105-810023-68, or 105-810023-76 and, before further
flight, take all necessary corrective actions. Do all actions by
following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraphs 4 through 13,
of Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 32-4156, dated May 3,
2019.
(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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in Related Information.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
[[Page 20445]]
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brian Adamson,
Aviation Safety Engineer, Wichita ACO Branch, FAA, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, 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 (IBR) 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 Bulletin SB 32-4156, dated May
3, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For the Beechcraft service information identified in this
AD, contact Textron Aviation Customer Service, P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, KS 67277; phone: (316) 517-5800; email:
[email protected]; website: https://txtav.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.
(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 March 30, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-08100 Filed 4-19-21; 8:45 am]
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