Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The FAA has received a report of an accident on a Fairchild Aircraft SA226/227 series airplane where the main landing gear (MLG) failed due to drag brace assembly cracks. Random inspections of the Fairchild Aircraft SA226 and SA227 series airplane fleet revealed nine other instances of cracks in the MLG drag brace assemblies. The affected airplanes incorporate one of the following MLG assemblies:
- For SA226 series airplanes: Ozone Industries, Inc., part number (P/N) OAS5453-1 (Revision "H", "J", "K", or "N"), or Ozone Industries, Inc., P/N OAS5453-5. These assemblies incorporate an Ozone Industries, Inc., P/N OAS5501-1 MLG drag brace assembly (consisting of both a drag brace and drag links); and
- For SA227 series airplanes: Ozone Industries, Inc., 14,500 LB MGTOW, P/N OAS5453-5. These assemblies incorporate an Ozone Industries, Inc., P/N OAS5501-1 MLG drag brace assembly (consisting of both a drag brace and drag links).
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? Continued airplane operation with cracks in the MLG drag brace assembly could lead to MLG failure and result in loss of control of the airplane during takeoff or landing operations.
Relevant Service Information
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Fairchild has issued Service Bulletin 226-32-068 and Service Bulletin 227-32-043, both Issued: June 23, 2000.
What are the provisions of these service bulletins? These service bulletins include the following:
- procedures for inspecting the previously referenced Ozone Industries, Inc., MLG assemblies for cracks in the drag brace assembly;
- procedures for reworking any MLG drag brace assembly with cracks of 0.080-inches or less in length. Only one rework is allowed; and
-reference to replacement of the MLG drag brace assembly if cracks are found that exceed 0.080 inches in length. Replacement is in accordance with the procedures in the maintenance manual.
The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the AD
What has FAA decided? After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, including the relevant service information, FAA has determined that:
- an unsafe condition exists or could develop on certain Fairchild SA226 Series and SA227 Series airplanes of the same type design to that of the accident airplane;
- the actions and procedures in the previously referenced service bulletins should be incorporated on these airplanes; and
- AD action should be taken in order to detect and correct cracks in MLG drag brace assemblies. Continued airplane operation with such cracks could lead to MLG failure and result in loss of control of the airplane during takeoff or landing operations.
What does this AD require? This AD requires you to repetitively inspect the MLG drag brace assembly (consists of both brace and links) for cracks, and requires you to replace or rework any cracked MLG drag brace assembly.
Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this document could result in MLG failure and result in loss of control of the airplane during takeoff or landing operations, FAA finds that notice and opportunity for public prior comment are impracticable. Therefore, good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this AD? Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, we invite your comments on the rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and submit your comments in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." We will consider all comments received on or before the closing date specified above. We may amend this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking action.
Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this AD.
The FAA is reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write "Comments to Docket No. 2000-CE-41-AD." We will date stamp and mail the postcard back to you.
Regulatory Impact
Does this AD impact relations between Federal and State governments?
These regulations 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. Therefore, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action?
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 (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.
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. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: