AD 98-12-09

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. Model TPE331 series turboprop engines, that requires removal of suspect fuel manifold assemblies and replacement with serviceable assemblies. This amendment is prompted by an FAA investigation into Hoses Unlimited's repairs of TPE331 fuel manifolds, which were not approved by the FAA. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fuel leakage at the fuel manifold fittings, resulting in fuel spraying on hot turbine components, which could result in an engine fire.

Final rule.

98-12-09 AlliedSignal Inc.: Amendment 39-10565. Docket 97-ANE-47-AD.

Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Allied-Signal Aerospace Company, Garrett Engine Division and Garrett Turbine Engine Co.) Model TPE331-8, -10, -11 and -12 series turboprop engines with fuel manifold, Part Number (P/N) 3102469-1 or -2, repaired by Hoses Unlimited, Inc. prior to November 20, 1995. These engines are installed on but not limited to Ayres S2R-G10; Cessna Model 441; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) C-212 series; Dornier 228 series; Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series; Jetstream 3101 and 3201 series; Mitsubishi MU-2B series (MU-2 series); and Twin Commander Aircraft Corp. Models 695 and 695A aircraft.

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 (d) 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 accomplished previously.

To prevent fuel leakage of the fuel manifold, resulting in fuel spraying on hot turbine components, which could result in an engine fire, accomplish the following:

(a) Check all fuel manifold identification bands for P/Ns 3102469-1 or -2 and the Hoses Unlimited, Inc. name, or review engine and aircraft maintenance records and purchase receipts to establish the origin and repairs on all fuel manifolds. If records indicate that fuel manifolds, P/Ns 3102469-1 or -2, are not installed in an engine or that Hoses Unlimited, Inc. has not been used as a repair facility, no further AD action is required.

(b) Remove from service all fuel manifolds with the Hoses Unlimited, Inc. name and P/Ns 3102469-1 or -2 and replace with a serviceable fuel manifold in accordance with the applicable AlliedSignal engine maintenance manual, at first access to the fuel manifold assembly, at the next engine hot section inspection, or 3 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(c) For the purposes of this AD, first access to the fuel manifold is defined as any repair, modification, removal, or testing of the fuel manifold assembly or components of the fuel manifold assembly.

(d) 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.

(e) 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 7, 1998.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. Model TPE331-8, -10, -11 and -12 series turboprop engines with fuel manifold, Part Number (P/N) 3102469-1 or -2, repaired by Hoses Unlimited, Inc. prior to November 20, 1995, was published in the Federal Register on January 21, 1998 (63 FR 3056). That action proposed to require removal of suspect fuel manifold assemblies and replacement with serviceable assemblies.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

There are approximately 70 engines of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 50 engines installed on aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 work hours per engine to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,800 per engine. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $105,000.

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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 isamended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: