Has FAA taken any action to this point? The FAA issued AD 91-03-15, Amendment 39-6870 to prevent the discharge of high temperature exhaust gases inside the engine compartment that could result in the airplane cabin catching fire for certain Mooney Model M20M airplanes. AD 91-03- 15 currently requires replacing the tailpipe coupling.
What has happened since AD 91-03-15 to initiate this AD action? The FAA received a report that a fire erupted below the pilot's rudder pedals shortly after takeoff on one of the airplanes affected by AD 91- 03-15, which caused smoke to fill the cabin. Investigation revealed that the V-clamp attaching the exhaust tailpipe to the turbocharger had fallen off. This allowed the exhaust tailpipe to drop away form the turbocharger. Hot exhaust gases from the turbocharger outlet were blasted onto the lower left firewall. The fire ignited in the left lower cockpit area below the rudder/brake pedals and behind the firewall. Hydraulic fluid ignited when a plastic hydraulic supply line behind the firewall melted.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? The V-clamp could detach from the turbocharger and expose the firewall to hot exhaust gases, which could result in an in-flight fire. An in-flight fire could lead to loss of control of the airplane and passenger injury.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Mooney has issued Service Bulletin M20-283A, dated March 30, 2004.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service bulletin includes procedures for:
--Replacing the existing radiant heat shield with the new heat shield, deflector kit;
--Replacing the existing exhaust tailpipe-to-turbocharger V-band clamp; and
--Modifying the hydraulic brake fluid poly line.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD
What has FAA decided? We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Mooney Model M20M airplanes of the same type design, we are issuing this AD to prevent the V-clamp from detaching from the turbocharger and to prevent exposure of the firewall to hot exhaust gases, which could result in an in-flight fire. An in-flight fire could lead to loss of control of the airplane and passenger injury.
What does this AD require? This AD supersedes AD 91-03-15 and requires you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service bulletin.
In preparing this rule, we contacted type clubs and aircraft operators to get technical information and information on operational and economic impacts. We did not receive any information through these contacts. If received, we would have included a discussion of any information that may have influenced this action in the rulemaking docket.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Comments Invited
Will I have the opportunity to comment before you issue the rule? This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19618; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-39-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us through a nonwritten communication, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
Regulatory Findings
Will this AD impact various entities? 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.Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19618; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-39-AD'' in your request
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, General requirements. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing minimum standards required inthe interest of safety for the design of aircraft. This regulation is within the scope of that authority since it corrects an unsafe condition in the design of the aircraft caused by the V-clamp detaching from the turbocharger and exposing the firewall to hot exhaust gases.
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 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. The FAA amends 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 91-03-15, Amendment 39-6870 and by adding a new AD to read as follows: