[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 307-309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-33399]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-ANE-37; Amendment 39-9874; AD 97-01-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming Reciprocating Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines. This
action requires removal from service of defective piston pins, and
replacement with serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by a
report of failure of a piston pin. The actions specified in this AD are
intended to prevent piston pin failure, which could result in engine
failure.
DATES: Effective January 21, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 21, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 4, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-ANE-37, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone
(717) 327-7278, fax (717) 327-7022. This information may be examined at
the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Franco Pieri and Pat Perrotta,
Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine
and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth St., Valley Stream, NY 11581;
telephone (516) 256-7526 and (516) 256-7534, fax (516) 568-2716.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
received a report of metal detected in an engine oil filter on a
Textron Lycoming Model AEIO-540-L1B5 reciprocating engine. The
investigation revealed the metal in the oil filter was caused by a
failed piston pin, Part Number (P/N) LW-14077. Failure of the piston
pin may cause puncturing of the engine crankcase by the piston rod
resulting in the loss of oil leading to total power failure and
possible fire. Failure of the piston pin may also cause jamming of the
engine crankcase by the piston rod resulting in total power failure.
The FAA has determined that a quantity of piston pins, marked with code
17328, were produced that did not meet manufacturing specifications.
The defects are grooves in the piston pin created during manufacturing
that result in the fatigue failure of the pins. Textron Lycoming has
notified the FAA of three piston pin failures that were reported at 50,
62.4 and 386 hours total time in service (TIS) with the defective
piston pin installed. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
piston pin failure, which could result in engine failure.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron
Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) No. 527B, dated October 8,
1996, that lists serial numbers (S/Ns) of engines manufactured,
remanufactured, or overhauled by Textron Lycoming during the time
period that defective piston pins could have been installed, and
describes procedures for removal from service of defective piston pins,
and replacement with serviceable parts.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, this AD is
being issued to prevent piston pin failure, which could result in
engine failure. This AD requires removal from service of defective
piston pins, and replacement with serviceable parts. The actions are
required to be accomplished in accordance with the Mandatory SB
described previously.
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact
[[Page 308]]
concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules
Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 96-ANE-37.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
97-01-03 Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-9874. Docket 96-ANE-37.
Applicability: Textron Lycoming O-320, IO-320, AEIO-320, O-360,
LO-360, IO-360, LIO-360, VO-360, IVO-360, HO-360, HIO-360, AIO-360,
AEIO-360, TIO-360, TO-360, O-540 (except O-540-J1A5D, -J1C5D, -
J2A5D, -J3A5D, -J3C5D, -L3C5D), IO-540 (except IO-540-W1A5D, -W3A5D,
-AB1A5), AEIO-540, TIO-540, LTIO-540, TIO-541, TIGO-541, and IO-720
series reciprocating engines, that meet any one of the following
conditions:
1. Engines with serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Textron Lycoming
Mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) No. 527B, dated October 8, 1996; or
2. Engines that had Textron Lycoming cylinder kits installed
after December 15, 1995; or
3. Engines that have been overhauled, or had cylinder head
maintenance performed, by a repair facility other than Textron
Lycoming after December 15, 1995.
These engines are installed on but not limited to reciprocating
engine powered aircraft manufactured by Aerospatiale, Bellanca,
Cessna, The New Piper Company, Beech, Schweizer, Maule, and Mooney.
Note 1: A maintenance records check may allow an owner or
operator to determine if this AD applies.
Note 2: 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 piston pin failure, which could result in engine
failure, accomplish the following:
(a) For engines with S/Ns listed in Textron Lycoming Mandatory
SB No. 527B, dated October 8, 1996, accomplish the following:
(1) Check the piston pin code in accordance with Textron
Lycoming SB No. 527B, dated October 8, 1996 in accordance with the
following schedule:
(i) For engines with 45 hours or more time in service (TIS)
since the engine was shipped from Textron Lycoming, since overhaul,
since installation of a cylinder kit, or since installation of a
replacement piston pin, as applicable, accomplish within 5 hours TIS
after the effective date of this AD.
(ii) For engines with less than 45 hours TIS since the engine was
shipped from Textron Lycoming, since overhaul, since installation of a
cylinder kit, or since installation of a replacement piston pin, as
applicable, accomplish prior to accumulating 50 hours TIS since the
applicable date.
(2) Remove from service piston pins, Part Number (P/N) LW-14077,
code 17328, and replace with serviceable piston pins.
(b) For all other affected engines, determine if a suspect piston
pin, P/N LW-14077, code 17328 could have been installed, in accordance
with Textron Lycoming Mandatory SB No. 527B, dated October 8, 1996, and
accomplish the following:
(1) If it is determined that suspect piston pins, P/N LW-14077,
code 17328 could have been installed, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and
(a)(2) of this AD.
(2) If it is determined that suspect piston pins, P/N LW-14077,
code 17328 could not have been installed, no further action is
required.
(3) If it cannot be determined if the suspect piston pins, P/N LW-
14077, code 17328 were installed, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and
(a)(2) of this AD.
(c) For purposes of this AD a serviceable piston pin is a piston
pin, P/N LW-14077, with a piston pin code of ``BN'' or ``71238.''
Installation of a piston pin, P/N LW-14077, with a piston pin code of
``17328'' is prohibited after the effective date of this AD.
(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, New York Aircraft Certification Office. The
request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New
York Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the New York 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) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following Textron Lycoming Mandatory SB:
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Document No. Pages Date
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527B................................. 1-3 October 8, 1996.
Attachment........................... 1-6 October 8, 1996.
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Total pages...................... 9
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[[Page 309]]
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver St.,
Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717) 327-7278, fax (717) 327-
7022. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office
of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on January 21, 1997.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 26, 1996.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-33399 Filed 12-31-96; 12:23 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
