AD 99-07-19

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731-40R-200G turbofan engines. This action requires inspection of the fuel flow meter tube assembly part number (P/N) 3061157-2, which connects the fuel control to the fuel flow meter, and eventual replacement of the tube and fuel flow meter mounting bracket. This amendment is prompted by two in-flight shutdowns on two recently certified TFE731-40R turbofan engines within the last six months that resulted from fuel flow meter tube assembly failures. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fuel from spraying on and around electrical components due to a cracked fuel line, which can result in an in-flight engine shutdown, and could possibly result in an engine fire.

Final rule; request for comments.

99-07-19 AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-11103. Docket 99-ANE-08-AD.
Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731-40R-200G turbofan engines installed on, but not limited to, Israel Aircraft Industries LTD (IAI), Model Astra SPX airplanes.
Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 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 engines 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, unless done previously.
To prevent fuel from spraying on and around electrical components due to a cracked fuel line, which can result in an in-flight engine shutdown, and could possibly result in an engine fire do the following:
(a) Inspect the fuel flow tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Operator Information Wire (OIW) TFE731-40G-99-01, dated January 7, 1999, Compliance/Accomplishment Instructions step (2)(a) through step (2)(f) if any of the following actions have been done:
(1) If the fuel control or fuel flow meter has been removed or replaced;
(2) If maintenance has been performed which required removal of the clamping which supports the fuel flow meter or the attached tube assemblies; or
(3) If it is unknown if any maintenance has been done. If the fuel flow tube assembly is cracked or shows evidence of leakage, or if the fuel flow meter clamping is suspected of applying stress to the tube assembly, replace the fuel flow tube assembly with serviceable parts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) TFE731-A73-5119, dated March 4, 1999, and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-73A-189, dated March 4, 1999, prior to further flight.
(b) Inspect the fuel flow tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with OIW TFE731-40G-99-01, dated January 7, 1999, Compliance/Accomplishment Instructions, step (1)(a) through step (1)(b), if the fuel control or fuel flow meter has not been removed or replaced since new and maintenance has not been done which required the removal of the clamping that supports the fuel flow meter or the attached tube assemblies. If the fuel flow tube assembly is cracked or shows evidence of leakage, or if the fuel flow meter clamping is suspected ofapplying stress to the tube assembly, replace the fuel flow tube assembly and fuel flow meter mounting bracket with serviceable parts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) TFE731-A73-5119, dated March 4, 1999, and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-73A-189, dated March 4, 1999, prior to further flight.
(c) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, replace fuel flow tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2 and existing fuel flow meter mounting bracket with serviceable parts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) TFE731-A73-5119, dated March 4, 1999, and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-73A-189, dated March 4, 1999.
(d) If the flexible fuel line assembly, P/N 3061288-1, and fuel flow meter mounting bracket, P/N 3061293-1, are installed, or if rigid fuel flow tube assembly P/N 3060999-2 is installed, no further action is required and the requirements of this AD have been completed.
(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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 2: 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 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(g) The inspection and part replacement shall be done in accordance with the following service information:

Document Number
Pages
Revision
Date
TFE731-40G-99-01, AlliedSignal Inc. Operator Information Wire
3
Original
January 7, 1999
TFE731-A73-5119, AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin
10
Original
March 4, 1999
1125-73A-189, Astra Alert Service Bulletin
8
Original
March 4, 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 of the AlliedSignal Service Bulletin and Operator Information Wire may be obtained from AlliedSignal Aerospace Services Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493. Copies of the Astra Service Bulletin may be obtained from Galaxy Aerospace Company, Attn: Publications, One Galaxy Way, Alliance Airport, Fort Worth TX, 76177; telephone (817) 837-3740, FAX (817) 837-3739. Copies may be inspectedat the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 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 on April 21, 1999.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received reports of failures of the fuel flow meter tube assembly between the fuel control and the fuel flow meter. These failures caused uncommanded in-flight shutdowns of the AlliedSignal Inc., TFE731-40R-200G turbofan engines. In one incident, an Israel Aircraft Industries, LTD. (IAI) Astra SPX airplane operator experienced an uncommanded engine rollback to shutdown. The post-flight investigation revealed a fracture of the fuel flow meter tube assembly, part number (P/N) 3061157-2, located between the fuel control unit and the fuel flow meter. Before this incident, the operator had experienced fuel flow fluctuations and had performed maintenance in the area of the fuel flow meter tube assembly in accordance with standard troubleshooting procedures. In another incident, an SPX operator experienced a fracture in a fuel flow meter tube assembly of the same P/N. This incident occurred shortly after replacement of the fuel control/main fuel pump. The FAA has concluded that the current rigid tube assembly design is not tolerant of normal maintenance actions and, therefore, this action is necessary to introduce a flexible hose design.
Since the initial incident, the FAA has verified that the fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, meets design intent, but could benefit from a more robust design from a maintenance standpoint. This condition, if not corrected, could result in fuel spraying on and around electrical components due to a cracked fuel line, which can result in an in-flight engine shutdown, and could possibly result in an engine fire.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of AlliedSignal Inc. Operator Information Wire (OIW) TFE731-40G-99-01, dated January 7, 1999, that describes procedures for visual inspection of the fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, for cracks or leakage, and inspection of the clamping of the fuel flow meter and attached tube assemblies for proper installation. Also, the FAA has approved the technical content of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) TFE731-A73-5119 dated March 4, 1999, and has approved the technical content of Astra Alert Service Bulletin 1125-73A-189 dated March 4, 1999, that describes procedures for installing the new flexible fuel line and fuel flow meter mounting bracket.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other AlliedSignal Inc. TFE731-40R-200G turbofan engines of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent fuel from spraying on and around electrical components due to a cracked fuel line, which can result in an in-flight engine shutdown, and could possibly result in an engine fire. This AD requires the inspection of the fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, for cracks or leakage and for proper clamping within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD if any maintenance has been performed that required disconnecting the fuel flow meter tube assembly or the support clamping of the fuel meter or attached tube assemblies, or if it is unknown if any maintenance has been performed. This AD also requires inspection of the fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, for cracks or leakage and for proper clamping within 25 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD if no maintenance has been performed that required disconnecting the fuel flow meter tube assembly or the support clamping of the fuel meter or attached tube assemblies. This AD also requires replacement of fuel flow meter tube assembly, P/N 3061157-2, with a new flexible fuel line assembly and replacement of the fuel flow meter mounting bracketing within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. The inspections and replacements are required to be done in accordance with the service information described previously.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it isfound 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. 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 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 99-ANE-08-AD." 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. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration The following Airworthiness Directive issued by the Federal Aviation Administration in accordance with the provisions of Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 39, applies to an aircraft model of which our records indicate you may be the registered owner. Airworthiness Directives affect aviation safety and are regulations which require immediate attention. You are cautioned that no person may operate an aircraft to which an Airworthiness Directive applies, except in accordance with the requirements of the Airworthiness Directive (reference FAR Subpart 39.3).