[Federal Register: September 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 183)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 56733-56735]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22se04-21]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18597; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-21-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-
23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-E23-250 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 74-
06-01, which applies to certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper)
Models PA-23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-E23-250 airplanes equipped with
Garrett Aviation Services (Garrett) (formerly AiResearch)
turbosuperchargers installed under supplemental type certificate (STC)
SA852WE, SA909WE, or SA978WE; or installed under Piper Aircraft Drawing
Number 32016. AD 74-06-01 currently requires you to replace
turbosupercharger oil tanks, install fire shrouds, seal all openings in
the fire shrouds, and add drainage provisions in the oil tank fairings
for airplane serial numbers 27-1 through 27-2504; and add drainage
provisions in the air scoops on serial numbers 27-2505 and higher. This
proposed AD is the result of a report of a fatal accident related to
the breakdown of the turbocharger oil reservoir following a fire in the
engine nacelle. Consequently, this proposed AD would require you to
replace the oil reservoir and related hoses with a fireproof oil tank
and fire-shielded hoses. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent
turbosupercharger oil reservoirs with inadequate fire resistance from
failing when exposed to flame or exhaust gases. This failure could lead
to an in-flight fire within the nacelle area penetrating the firewall
and subsequent failure of the wing spar.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by November 22,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from:
--For any installation under supplemental type certificate (STC)
SA852WE, SA909WE, or SA978WE: The Nordam Group, Nacelle/Thrust Reverser
Division, 6911 N. Whirlpool Drive, Tulsa, OK. 74117; telephone: (918)
878-4000; facsimile: (918) 878-4808; and
--For any installation under Piper Aircraft Drawing Number 32016: The
New Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926 Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960;
and The Nordam Group, Nacalle/Thrust Reverser Division, 6911 N.
Whirlpool Drive, Tulsa, OK 74117; telephone: (918) 878-4000; facsimile:
(918) 878-4808.
You may view the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Pesuit, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone: (562) 627-5251; facsimile: (562)
627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal.
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the
docket number, ``FAA-2004-18597; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-21-AD''
at the beginning of your comments. 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 proposed
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone
can find and read the comments received into 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.).
This is docket number FAA-2004-18597. 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.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed 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 this
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at
the street address
[[Page 56734]]
stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
Has FAA taken any action to this point? The need to minimize fire
hazards in the engine compartment on Piper Models PA-23-235, PA-23-250,
and PA-E23-250 airplanes equipped with AiResearch turbosuperchargers
installed under STC SA852WE, SA909WE, or SA978WE; or installed under
Piper Aircraft Drawing 32016 caused FAA to issue AD 74-06-01, Amendment
39-1977. AD 74-06-01 currently requires the following on any Piper
Models PA-23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-E23-250 airplanes equipped with
AiResearch turbosuperchargers installed under STC SA852WE, SA909WE, or
SA978WE; or installed under Piper Aircraft Drawing Number 32016:
Replacing the existing turbosupercharger oil tanks;
Installing fire shrouds;
Sealing all openings in the fire shrouds;
(For airplane serial numbers 27-1 through 27-2504) adding
drainage provisions in the oil tank fairings; and
(For airplane serial numbers 27-2505 and higher) adding
drainage provisions in the air scoops.
What has happened since AD 74-06-01 to initiate this proposed
action? The FAA has received a report of a fatal accident related to
the breakdown of the turbosupercharger oil reservoir. A Piper Model PA
23-250 airplane equipped with the STC turbocharger installation was
involved in a fatal accident. The accident investigation revealed a
breakdown of the turbosupercharger oil reservoir. Examination of the
aircraft wreckage revealed evidence of an in-flight fire where the
turbosupercharger oil reservoir was burned to include the rear firewall
portion of the reservoir allowing fire to move aft, softening the wing
spar.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Failure of the
turbosupercharger oil reservoir when exposed to flame or exhaust gases
could lead to an in-flight fire and failure of the wing spar.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? The
following service information relates to this subject:
--For any installation under supplemental type certificate (STC)
SA852WE, SA909WE, or SA978WE: Garrett has issued Service Bulletin No.
1002143, Revision A, dated June 18, 2004; and
--For any installation under Piper Aircraft Drawing Number 32016: Piper
has issued Vendor Service Publication No. 166, dated August 20, 2004.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
information includes procedures for:
--replacing the oil reservoir (part number (P/N) 286-P23-028-81 or 286-
P23-028-111) with a fireproof oil tank (P/N 10ND79200-1 or 10ND79200-
3); and
--replacing the oil reservoir hoses with fire-shielded hoses.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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. Therefore, we are proposing
AD action.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would
supersede AD 74-06-01 with a new AD that would incorporate the actions
in the previously-referenced service information.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed 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.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 250 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to
do this proposed modification:
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
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14 workhours x $65 per hour = $910........................ $2,500 $3,410 $852,500
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Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have determined
that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
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 proposed 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. 2004-CE-21'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 74-06-01, Amendment 39-1977, and by adding a new AD to read as
follows:
[[Page 56735]]
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2004-18597; Directorate
Identifier 2004-CE-21-AD.
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by November 22, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) This AD supersedes AD 74-06-01.
What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Models PA-23-235, PA-23-250, and PA-E23-250
airplanes, all serial numbers, that are (1) certificated in any
category; and (2) equipped with Garrett Aviation Services (Garrett)
(formerly AiResearch) turbosuperchargers installed under
supplemental type certificate (STC) SA852WE, SA909WE, or SA978WE; or
installed under The New Piper, Inc. (Piper) Aircraft Drawing Number
32016.
Note: Piper manufactured the majority of affected airplanes with
the turbocharger system. The turbocharger system installed under
Piper Aircraft Drawing Number 32016 (STC SA909WE) was a factory
option on the Piper Model PA-23-250 or PA-E23-250 with serial
numbers 27-2505 through 27-3943.
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of a report of a fatal accident
related to the breakdown of the turbocharger oil reservoir due to a
fire in the engine nacelle. The actions specified in this AD are
intended to prevent turbosupercharger oil reservoirs with inadequate
fire resistance from failing when exposed to flame or exhaust gases.
This failure could lead to an in-flight fire within the nacelle area
penetrating the firewall and subsequent failure of the wing spar.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For any Within the next 100 Follow the
turbosupercharger hours time-in- procedures in
installation under service (TIS) after Garrett Aviation
supplemental type the effective date Service Bulletin
certificate (STC) SA852WE, of this AD, unless No. 1002143,
SA909WE, or SA978WE: already done. Revision A, dated
(i) replace any oil June 18, 2004.
reservoir (part number (P/
N) 286-P23-028-81 or 286-
P23-028-111, or FAA-
approved equivalent P/N)
with a fireproof oil tank
(P/N 10ND79200-1 or
10ND79200-3, or FAA-
approved equivalent P/N);
and.
(ii) replace the installed
oil reservoir hoses with
fire-shielded hoses..
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(2) For any Within the next 100 Follow the
turbosupercharger hours time-in- procedures in The
installation under Piper service (TIS) after New Piper Aircraft,
Aircraft Drawing Number the effective date Inc. Vendor Service
32016: of this AD, unless Publication No.
(i) replace any oil already done. 166, dated August
reservoir (P/N 286-P23-028- 20, 2004, and the
81 or 286-P23-028-111, or procedures in
FAA-approved equivalent P/ Garrett Aviation
N) with a fireproof oil Service Bulletin
tank (P/N 10ND79200-1 or No. 1002143,
10ND79200-3, or FAA- Revision A, dated
approved equivalent P/N); June 18, 2004.
and.
(ii) replace the installed
oil reservoir hoses with
fire-shielded hoses..
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(3) For any As of the effective Not Applicable.
turbosupercharger date of this AD.
installation under STC
SA852WE, SA909WE, or
SA978WE; or Piper Aircraft
Drawing Number 32016: Do
not install any oil
reservoir (P/N 286-P23-028-
81 or 286-P23-028-111, or
FAA-approved equivalent P/
N) or any oil reservoir
hose that is not fire-
shielded.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For information on any already
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Roger Pesuit,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone: (562) 627-5251; facsimile: (562)
627-5210.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD
from (for any installation under STC SA852WE, SA909WE, or SA978WE)
The Nordam Group Nacelle/Thrust Reverser Systems Division, 6911 N.
Whirlpool Drive, Tulsa, OK 74117 telephone: (918) 878-4000;
facsimile: (918) 878-4808; and (for any installation under Piper
Aircraft Drawing Number 32016) The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., 2926
Piper Drive, Vero Beach, Florida, 32960; and The Nordam Group
Nacalle/Thrust Reverser Systems Division, 6911 N. Whirlpool Drive,
Tulsa, OK. 74117 telephone: (918) 878-4000; facsimile: (918) 878-
4808. You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif
Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 16, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-21274 Filed 9-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P