Discussion \n\nWhat Events Have Caused This AD? \n\n\tOn August 26, 2003, a Raytheon Model Beech 1900D twin-turboprop airplane was involved in an accident in the Nantucket Sound off southeastern Massachusetts. The Raytheon Beech Model 1900D is designed to carry 19 passengers. According to initial reports, the airplane took off of Runway 24 at Barnstable Municipal Airport on Cape Cod. The pilot immediately declared an emergency and, while en route to make an emergency landing on Runway 33, crashed into the water. \n\n\tWhile there is no determination of the cause of the accident and the investigation is ongoing, FAA's review of the current maintenance procedures of the elevator trim system reveals the following: \n\n--The figures in the applicable maintenance manuals depict the elevator trim cable drum at 180 degrees from the installed position and show the open, keyed side of the drum instead of the flat side of the drum. Following these figures when installing the control cables on the forward control cable drum could reverse the action of the elevator manual trim system; and \n\n--The existing procedure can be enhanced by visually confirming the trim wheel position and the trim tab position are consistent. Such a check would detect and correct any problems with the elevator trim system installation before problems occur during operation. \n\n\tAlthough the figures (figure 9 for the 1900/1900C and figure 201 for the 1900D) in the existing maintenance manuals are incorrectly depicted, following the step-by-step written instructions in the existing procedure and referring to the orientation of the parts removed would result in the correct installation and action of the elevator trim system. \n\nWhat Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected? \n\n\tAn incorrectly installed elevator trim system component, if not detected and corrected, could result in difficulties in controlling the airplane or a total loss of pitch control.Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject? \n\n\tRaytheon has issued Safety Communique No. 234, dated September 2003, to address this issue. \n\nWhat Are the Provisions of This Service Information? \n\n\tThe safety communique includes information about the incorrect depictions of the figures in the applicable maintenance manuals and also references the following temporary maintenance manual revisions: \n\n--Temporary Revision No. 27-5 to the Model 1900/1900C Airliner Maintenance Manual: Revised ELEVATOR TRIM OPERATIONAL CHECK; and \n\n--Temporary Revision No. 27-9 to the Model 1900D Airliner Maintenance Manual: Added MANUAL ELEVATOR TRIM OPERATIONAL CHECK. \n\nFAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD \n\nWhat Has FAA Decided? \n\n\tWe 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. \n\n\tSince the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Raytheon Beech Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to detect and correct any maintenance-induced problems with the elevator trim system installation before problems occur during operation. Such a condition could lead to difficulties in controlling the airplane or a total loss of pitch control. \n\nWhat Does This AD Require? \n\n\tThis AD requires you to: \n\n--Make a correction to the elevator trim system maintenance procedures; \n\n--Incorporate a temporary revision to the applicable maintenance manual; and \n\n--Incorporate procedures that will enhance the existing elevator trim operational check every time you have maintenance done on the elevator trim system. \n\nHow Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This AD? \n\n\tOn 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. \n\nComments Invited \n\nWill I Have the Opportunity To Comment Prior to the Issuance of the Rule? \n\n\tThis 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 "AD Docket No. 2003-CE-43-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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\nWill This AD Impact Various Entities? \n\n\tWe 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. \n\nWill This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action? \n\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\n\t1. Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; \n\n\t2. Is not a "significant rule" under the DOTRegulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and \n\n\t3. 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. \n\n\tWe 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 "AD Docket No. 2003-CE-43-AD" in your request. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n\n\t2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):