AD 99-09-15

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) Beech Models A36, B36TC, 58, 58A, C90A, B200, B300, and 1900D airplanes. This AD requires inspecting for interference or inadequate clearance between the flight control mechanism and any component located forward of the instrument panel. If interference or inadequate clearance is found, this AD requires securing all components so that they are clear of the flight control mechanism. This AD is the result of an incident where the electrical/avionics wires made contact with and restricted the control system of the affected airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent any components or wiring from interfering with the flight control mechanism caused by inadequate clearance, which could result in reduced or loss of aileron and/or elevator control.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before June 18, 1999.

Final rule; request for comments

99-09-15 RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY (All type certificates of the affected airplanes previously held by the Beech Aircraft Corporation): Amendment 39-11148; Docket No. 99-CE-11-AD.

Applicability: The following Beech airplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category:

Model
Serial Numbers
A36
E-3058 through E-3156, E-3158 through E-3170,
E-3172 through E-3177, E-3180 through E-3185,
E-3187 through E-3198, E-3200, and E-3202
B36TC
EA-594 through EA-610, EA-613, EA-615, EA-616,
EA-618, EA-619, and EA-621
58 and 58A
TH-1806 through TH-1840, TH-1842 through
TH-1854, TH-1856, TH-1860 through TH-1867, and TH-1870
C90A
LJ-1459 through LJ-1504, LJ-1506 through LJ-1523,
and LJ-1525 through LJ-1530
B200
BB-1551 through BB-1591, BB-1593 through BB-
1622, and BB-1624 through BB-1627
B300
FL-152 through FL-179, FL-181 through FL-187,
FL-189, FL-190, FL-192, FL-194, FL-196 through
FL-205, FL-207, FL-210, and FL-211
1900D
UE-1 throughUE-319, UE-321, UE-323 through
UE-328, UE-330 and UE-332

NOTE 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent any components or wiring from interfering with the flight control mechanism caused by inadequate clearance, which could result in reduced or loss of aileron and/or elevator control, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect for interference or inadequate clearance between the flight control mechanism and any component located forward of the instrument panel. Perform this action in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued: March, 1999.

(b) If interference or inadequate clearance is found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, secure all components clear of the flight control mechanism as specified in the service bulletin.

(c) If the actions required in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD have been accomplished in accordance with Raytheon Safety Communiqu No. 149, Rev. 1, dated November 1998, or Raytheon Safety Communiqu No. 149, dated August 1998, then no further action is required by this AD.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it
to the Manager, Wichita ACO.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO.

(f) The inspection and modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued:March, 1999. 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 the Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

(g) This amendment becomes effective May 18, 1999.

Discussion
The FAA has received a report of an incident where a Raytheon Beech Model 1900D airplane temporarily lost aileron and elevator control when the control column restricted. After applying pressure several times to the control wheel, the airplane pilot was able to free the system and regain full control. Upon investigation of the incident, maintenance personnel found that the electrical/avionics wiring that is located forward of the instrument panel was entangled in the flight control system "T" column. To correct the problem, the wiring was secured away from the control column assembly.

Relevant Service Information
Raytheon has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued: March, 1999, which specifies procedures for inspecting for interference and inadequate clearance between the flight control mechanism and any component located forward of the instrument panel.

Raytheon has also issued Safety Communique No. 149, dated August 1998; and Safety Communique No. 149, Rev. 1, dated November 1998. These service documents pertain to the flight control clearance condition and contain basically the same information as Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued: March, 1999.

The FAA's Determination
After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available information related to the incidents described above, including the relevant service information, the FAA has determined that AD action should be taken to prevent any components or wiring from interfering with the flight control mechanism caused by inadequate clearance, which could result in reduced or loss of aileron and/or elevator control.

Explanation of the Provisions of the AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in other Raytheon Beech Models A36, B36TC, 58, 58A, C90A, B200, B300, and 1900D airplanes of the same type design, the FAA is issuing an AD. This AD requires inspecting for interference or inadequate clearance between the flight control mechanism and any component located forward of the instrument panel. If interference or inadequate clearance is found, this AD requires securing all components so that they are clear of the flight control mechanism. Accomplishment of the required actions specified in this AD is required in accordance with Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3232, Issued: March, 1999.

Determination of the Effective Date of the AD
Since a situation exists (possible loss of aileron and/or elevator control) that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for public prior comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to 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 above. 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 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 summarizeseach 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 rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 99-CE-11-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact
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 (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: