AD 99-09-04

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to verify correct wire terminations of certain circuit breakers in the cockpit overhead switch panel; and correction of incorrect wire termination. This amendment also requires that operators submit a report of the inspection results to the FAA. This amendment is prompted by incidents in which the wiring of circuit breakers on the overhead switch panel lighting were found to be terminated improperly during production of the airplane, which bypassed the circuit breaker protection. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent smoke and possible fire in the overhead switch panel lighting circuitry due to an overload condition, as a result of lack of circuit breaker protection.

Final rule; request for comments.

99-09-04 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-11136. Docket 99-NM-59-AD.\n \n\tApplicability: Model MD-11 series airplanes, manufacturer's fuselage numbers 0447 through 0464 inclusive, and 0466 through 0475 inclusive; certificated in any category. \n\n\tNOTE 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 (c) 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.\n \n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent smoke and possible fire in the overhead switch panel lighting circuitry due to an overload condition, as a result of lack of circuit breaker protection, accomplish the following: \n\nOne-Time Inspection \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection to verify correct wire terminations of certain circuit breakers in the cockpit overhead switch panel, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 1999. \n\nCondition 1 (Correct Wire Terminations)\n \n\t\t(1)\tIf all affected circuit breakers have correct wire terminations, no further action is required by this AD. \n\nCondition 2 (Incorrect Wire Terminations)\n\n\t\t(2)\tIf any affected circuit breaker has an incorrect wire termination, prior to further flight, correct termination in accordance with the alert service bulletin.\n \nReporting Requirement \n\n\t(b)\tWithin 10 days after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; fax (562) 627-5210. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.\n \nAlternative Methods of Compliance\n \n\t(c)\tAn 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 (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add commentsand then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. \n\n\tNOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. \n\nSpecial Flight Permits\n \n\t(d)\tSpecial 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. \n\nIncorporation by Reference \n\n\t(e)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 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 Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, Dept. C1-L51 (2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. \n\n\t(f)\tThis amendment becomes effective on May 7, 1999.

As part of its practice of re-examining all aspects of the service experience of a particular aircraft whenever an accident occurs, the FAA has become aware of an incident in which the wiring to a circuit breaker on the overhead switch panel lighting was found to be terminated improperly on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The bus assembly and the wire were connected on the same lug with nothing connected to the load side of the circuit breaker (i.e., bypassing the circuit breaker protection).\n \n\tA subsequent line check of Model MD-11 series airplanes in production revealed that the wiring to three other circuit breakers on the overhead switch panel also were terminated improperly on some airplanes. Further investigation revealed that the MD-11 production build paper did not reference the wire hook-up chart for wire termination of the circuit breakers of the overhead switch panel lighting. (These incidents are not considered to be related to an accident that occurred off the coast of Nova Scotia involving a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplane. The cause of that accident is still under investigation.) \n\n\tLack of circuit breaker protection for the circuit of the overhead switch panel lighting, if not corrected, could result in smoke and possible fire in the overhead switch panel lighting if the circuit breaker has an overload condition. \n\nOther Related Rulemaking \n\n\tThe FAA, in conjunction with Boeing and operators of Model MD-11 series airplanes, is continuing to review all aspects of the service history of those airplanes to identify potential unsafe conditions and to take appropriate corrective actions. This airworthiness directive (AD) is one of a series of actions identified during that process. The process is continuing and the FAA may consider additional rulemaking actions as further results of the review become available. \n\nExplanation of Relevant Service Information \n\n\tThe FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-33A027, dated March 10, 1999, which describes procedures for a one-time inspection to verify correct wire terminations of certain circuit breakers in the cockpit overhead switch panel; and correction of incorrect termination. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. \n\nExplanation of the Requirements of the Rule\n \n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent smoke and possible fire in the overhead switch panel lighting circuitry due to an overload condition, as a result of lack of circuit breaker protection. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin described previously. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance withthe alert service bulletin described previously. This AD also requires that operators submit a report of the inspection results to the FAA. \n\nDetermination of Rule's Effective Date \n\n\tSince a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\tAlthough 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 shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or beforethe 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.\n \n\tComments 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 summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.\n \n\tCommenters 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 Number99-NM-59-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. \n\nRegulatory Impact \n\n\tThe 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.\n \n\tThe FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it 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." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \nAdoption of the Amendment \n\tAccordingly, 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: \nPART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C.106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 (Amended) \n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: