Discussion
We have received a report that, on June 14, 2006, a Raytheon Model 400A (Beechjet 400A) airplane lost all power while in cruise flight near Norfolk, Virginia. Both engines restarted and the airplane landed without further incident. The pilots reported that the airplane was in clouds at the time of the incident. Due to concern about entering a cloud deck, the pilots decided to turn on the engine anti-ice. The pilots followed the instruction in the airplane flight manual (AFM) to reduce power before activating anti-ice. Both engines flamed out simultaneously as soon as they retarded the throttles but before they could turn on the engine anti-ice.
We have also received other reports of engine failure on Model Raytheon 400A (Beechjet 400A) airplanes operating in certain meteorological conditions. Further analysis by the engine manufacturer demonstrated that, with engine anti-ice off, conditions along the engine internal flow path can allow ice crystals to stick on warm surfaces and accrete rapidly in areas like the leading edges of the front inner compressor stator of the engine. The resulting ice buildup could result in a compressor surge or flameout and consequent loss of engine power. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a dual- engine flameout.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed the Raytheon temporary changes (TCs), all dated September 15, 2006, to the AFMs specified in the following table. The TCs describe revisions to the AFMs to modify the Operating Limitations, Abnormal Procedures, and Normal Procedures, as applicable, for flight in icing conditions. Accomplishing the revisions to the AFMs as specified in the TCs is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
Raytheon Temporary Changes
For Raytheon airplane Model -
Use Raytheon TC -
Subject Title -
To the Raytheon AFM -
MU-300 (Diamond I)
MR-0460TC5
In Flight Operation of Ice Protection Systems
MR-0460MU-300 (Diamond IA)
MR-0873TC5
In Flight Operation of Ice Protection Systems
MR-0873
400 (Beechjet 400)
128-590001-13BTC6
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
128-590001-13B
400A (Beechjet 400A)
128-590001-91TC12
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
128-590001-91
400A (Beechjet 400A)
128-590001-95TC13
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
128-590001-95
400A (Beechjet 400A)
128-590001-107TC11
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
128-590001-107
400A (Beechjet 400A)
128-590001-109TC12
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
128-590001-109
400A (Beechjet 400A),
Hawker 400XP (Model 400A)
128-590001-167TC18
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
128-590001-167
400A (Beechjet 400A)
128-590001-169TC9
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
128-590001-169
400T (Beechjet 400T)
132-590002-5TC4
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
132-590002-5
400T
(Beechjet 400T (TX))
134-590002-1TC4
Anti/Deice Systems (In Flight Operation)
134-590002-1B1
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we are issuing this AD to advise the flightcrew that the buildup of ice on certain internal areas of the engine could result in a dual-engine flameout and what action they must take to avoid this hazard. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2006- 26004; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-212-AD" at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov , or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647- 5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, "General requirements." Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
1. Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a "significant rule" under the 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):