97-32. Airworthiness Directives; Certain Textron Lycoming 320 and 360 Series Reciprocating Engines  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 1997)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 343-347]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-32]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 94-ANE-44]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Certain Textron Lycoming 320 and 360 
    Series Reciprocating Engines
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.
    
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    SUMMARY: This notice revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
    directive (AD), which would have been applicable to all Textron 
    Lycoming 235 series and 290 series, and certain 320 and 360 series 
    reciprocating engines, that would have required initial and repetitive 
    inspections of the crankshaft inner diameter (ID) for corrosion and 
    cracks, and replacement of cracked crankshafts with a serviceable part. 
    In addition, that proposed AD would have permitted operation of engines 
    with crankshafts that were found to have corrosion pits but were free 
    of cracks, provided repetitive inspections were performed by only 
    certain qualified individuals until the next engine overhaul or 5 years 
    after the initial inspection, whichever occurred first, at which time 
    the proposed AD would have required those crankshafts with corrosion 
    pits but no cracks to be replaced with serviceable crankshafts. That 
    proposal was prompted by reports of crankshaft breakage originating 
    from corrosion pits on the inside wall. This action revises the 
    proposal by limiting the applicability of the proposed AD to only 
    certain Textron Lycoming 320 and 360 series reciprocating engines, 
    excluding additional engines installed in helicopters; permitting any 
    certificated mechanic holding an airframe or powerplant rating to 
    perform the Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI); permitting 
    continued use of a pitted crankshaft as long as repetitive FPI 
    inspections are performed; and deleting the five year limit on the use 
    of crankshafts that are pitted but not cracked. Also, the FAA has 
    received new cost information, and has revised the economic analysis 
    with respect to the initial inspection time, the time to remove and 
    replace crankshafts, the cost of the replacement crankshafts, and the 
    cost for repetitive FPI inspections. Finally, this revised proposal 
    introduces a public reporting survey to provide the FAA with a broader 
    database on the
    
    [[Page 344]]
    
    condition of crankshafts when observed during the initial inspections. 
    The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent 
    crankshaft failure, which can result in engine failure, propeller 
    separation, forced landing, and possible damage to the aircraft.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by April 3, 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. 94-ANE-44, 12 New England 
    Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
    this location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
    except Federal holidays.
        The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
    obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; 
    telephone (717) 327-7080, fax (717) 327-7100. This information may be 
    examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
    Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Reinhardt or Pat Perrotta, 
    Aerospace Engineers, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
    Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth St., Valley Stream, NY 
    11581-1200; telephone (516) 256-7532 or (516) 256-7534, fax (516) 568-
    2716.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
    proposed 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 above. All 
    communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
    specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
    proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
    light of the comments received.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
    the substance of this proposal 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 94-ANE-44.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
    
    Availability of NPRMs
    
        Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
    to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-44, 12 New England Executive Park, 
    Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    
    Discussion
    
        On October 18, 1993, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is 
    the airworthiness authority of the United Kingdom, received a report 
    that a Piper PA-28-161 aircraft, with a Textron Lycoming O-320-D3G 
    reciprocating engine installed, executed a forced landing due to an 
    engine crankshaft failure which caused the propeller to separate from 
    the aircraft. The cause of the crankshaft failure was determined to be 
    due to a high cycle fatigue mechanism that had initiated from a number 
    of corrosion pits in the crankshaft bore. After the cracks had 
    progressed through a substantial proportion of the crankshaft section, 
    the rate of advance had increased until the remaining unseparated 
    portion had failed as a result of overload. The cracking occurred in 
    high cycle fatigue and it had progressed over an extended period of 
    service. At the time of the accident the engine had operated for 1,950 
    hours time in service (TIS) since overhaul and had accumulated 4,429 
    hours total time since new over a period of 16 years. In addition, the 
    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that four other 
    failures in the United States and 10 in foreign countries were due to 
    cracks initiating from corrosion pits in the crankshaft bore on certain 
    Textron Lycoming 320 and 360 reciprocating engines with ratings of 160 
    horsepower or greater. Of the 10 failures in foreign countries, four 
    resulted in the propeller separating from the aircraft inflight. Three 
    of these four were from 1993 to 1996. The FAA utilized metallurgical 
    failure analysis reports and other information to conclude that these 
    failures were due to cracks originating from corrosion pits. This 
    condition, if not corrected, could result in crankshaft failure, which 
    can result in engine failure, propeller separation, forced landing, and 
    possible damage to the aircraft.
        A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to Textron Lycoming 235 
    Series and 290 Series, and certain 320 and 360 series reciprocating 
    engines was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 1995 (60 
    FR 58580); the comment period was reopened in a reprinting of the 
    original proposal on April 8, 1996 (61 FR 15430). That action proposed 
    to require initial and repetitive inspections of the crankshaft inner 
    diameter (ID) for corrosion and cracks, and replacement of cracked 
    crankshafts with a serviceable part. In addition, the proposed AD would 
    have permitted operation of engines with crankshafts that were found to 
    have corrosion pits but were free of cracks provided repetitive 
    inspections were performed until the next engine overhaul or 5 years 
    after the initial inspection, whichever occurred first, at which time 
    the proposed AD would have required those crankshafts with corrosion 
    pits but no cracks to be replaced with serviceable crankshafts. Those 
    proposed actions would be performed in accordance with Textron Lycoming 
    Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 505A, dated October 18, 1994.
        The FAA had determined that Fluorescent Penetrant Inspections (FPI) 
    were warranted if corrosion pits were found. The FPI inspection was 
    developed due to reports from Textron Lycoming and other approved 
    repair stations that most of the crankshafts that are pitted do not 
    contain cracks. The FAA determined that visual inspections alone were 
    not sufficient to detect a crack. The FPI inspection was based on crack 
    propagation data developed by the FAA in conjunction with Textron 
    Lycoming and with consideration of the technical base in the U.S. for 
    performing Non-Destructive Inspections. The FPI process was shown to be 
    reliable for detection of cracks down to 0.050 inches deep and 0.100 
    inches in length. The FPI inspection interval was based on the crack 
    propagation data such that a crack could be reliably be detected before 
    the crankshaft failed. If an installed engine was found to have a 
    pitted crankshaft, the FAA did not propose to allow the removal of 
    metal to remove the corrosion pits due to possible contamination of the 
    engine oil supply with metal filings and to ensure that the 
    concentricity of the crankshaft would not be compromised.
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. Over 200
    
    [[Page 345]]
    
    comments were received in response to the initial NPRM. The following 
    comment groups comprise the information received from the various 
    commenters from around the U.S. and overseas:
        A group of commenters state that the Textron Lycoming Model 0-360-
    A4A and other models that incorporate solid crankshafts should be 
    exempted from the proposed rule's applicability. Also, the commenters 
    state that the Textron Lycoming Model 0-360-J2A engine, installed in 
    the Robinson helicopter, should also be exempted from the proposed 
    rule's applicability, as the -J2A model was not specifically designed 
    as a helicopter engine. The FAA concurs. All these engines have been 
    deleted from the applicability of the revised proposal.
        Another group of commenters state that inspections are too costly, 
    that there are not enough failures to justify an AD, and not enough 
    data and studies were developed before issuance of the NPRM. The FAA 
    does not concur. The FAA received data and studies which substantiated 
    the need for an AD. These data confirm the crankshaft fracture occurred 
    at a stress concentration caused by a corrosion pit on the inside of 
    the crankshaft. In addition, since the NPRM was issued, six additional 
    crankshaft failures on 160 horsepower Textron Lycoming engines are 
    being investigated. The FAA has, however, performed additional analysis 
    to limit the population of engines impacted by this proposed AD and has 
    deleted the five year life limit on pitted crankshafts undergoing 
    repetitive FPI inspections. These measures will decrease the cost of 
    this AD to the public.
        Another group of commenters state that the 5-year limit on the 
    fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) after which the pitted 
    crankshaft must be removed from service should be deleted from the AD. 
    The FAA concurs, and the proposal AD has been revised to delete the 5-
    year life limit on pitted crankshafts undergoing repetitive FPI 
    inspections.
        Another group of commenters state that the crankshaft failures used 
    to justify the proposed AD occurred after a propeller strike, and that 
    the propeller strike history is the main reason for crankshaft 
    failures. The commenters recommend inspecting crankshafts only after a 
    propeller strike. The FAA does not concur. There is insufficient 
    evidence to show that propeller strikes were the primary cause or even 
    a major contributing factor in the investigated crankshaft failures. 
    Severe propeller strikes are normally associated with stress rupture or 
    low cycle fatigue failures, whereas the corrosion failures addressed in 
    this proposal are associated with high cycle fatigue.
        Another group of commenters state that any AD should allow airframe 
    or powerplant rated mechanics to perform the required FPI inspections, 
    not just specially rated individuals. The FAA concurs and the proposed 
    AD has been revised accordingly.
        Another group of commenters state that instead of the proposed 
    initial and repetitive inspections, the inspections should be required 
    at the next overhaul or 2000 hours TIS since last overhaul, and 
    reinspection accomplished at reasonable TIS intervals. The FAA does not 
    concur. Most overhauls do not include a detailed examination of the 
    crankshaft internal bore for corrosion and cracks. The proposed initial 
    inspection at 1,000 hours TIS since remanufacture or overhaul is 
    necessary due to service failures which have occurred shortly after 
    1,000 hours TIS since new or overhaul. With regard to the repetitive 
    inspection intervals, the 100 hours TIS interval is based on the crack 
    propagation rate when the crack, detectable by FPI, exists in the 
    internal bore.
        Another group of commenters state that the proposed inspections may 
    cause more problems by, for example, improper plug replacement, a rag 
    left in the shaft bore, improper torque on propeller bolts, or metal 
    particles falling into the oil system. The FAA concurs. The NPRM and 
    Textron Lycoming's Mandatory SB cautioned operators about some of these 
    conditions, and the proposed AD has been revised to require, for 
    example, removal of cloths used during the FPI inspections.
        Another group of commenters state that all new crankshafts should 
    be exempt from the inspections required by the proposed AD for 10 
    years. The FAA concurs in part. The original proposal recognized this 
    issue and already incorporates this provision. Paragraph (b) of the 
    current proposal allows initial inspection within 10 years of the 
    original ship date, or 6 months from the effective date of the AD, 
    whichever occurs later. However, there are other events that may 
    require crankshaft inspection prior to reaching 10 years, for example, 
    an overhaul or engine disassembly as specified in Paragraph (b) of the 
    proposed AD.
        Another group of commenters state that FPI inspection chemicals may 
    interfere with corrosion prevention treatments being initiated. The 
    commenters recommend delaying FPI inspection for 1 year. The FAA does 
    not concur. When corrosion protection treatments are available, the FAA 
    will evaluate the need for future rulemaking.
        In addition, the FAA has removed from the proposed AD's 
    applicability engines with less than 160 maximum rated horsepower (hp) 
    because the lower power engines, which utilize the same size 
    crankshaft, develop lower stress levels at the location of the 
    corrosion pitting. The lower stress levels result in predicted fatigue 
    life which will not initiate cracking from the stress concentrations 
    associated with the corrosion pitting. In addition, service history of 
    cracks developing from the location of corrosion pitting has been 
    limited to the higher rated power (160 hp and above) engines.
        Also, the FAA has determined the need to acquire more data on the 
    extent of crankshaft corrosion. A crankshaft inspection survey has been 
    included as an appendix to this proposed AD. The inspection survey will 
    be utilized by the FAA to determine: the number of engines under 
    repetitive FPI inspections, the number of crankshafts that are found to 
    be cracked, if another failure mechanism is contributing to the 
    crankshaft failures, and possible adjustment of the repetitive 
    inspection interval. The information obtained by this survey may lead 
    to future rulemaking.
        Finally, the economic analysis of this proposed AD is revised to 
    address the changes in the scope of the proposal. The total number of 
    engines impacted worldwide has dropped from 77,100 to 16,357 (11,000, 
    160 hp, 320 series; and 5,357, 360 Series). The FAA estimates that 60% 
    of that number, 9,814 engines are installed on aircraft of U.S. 
    registry, and would be affected by this proposed AD. The FAA estimates 
    that it would take approximately 8 work hours per engine to accomplish 
    the proposed initial visual inspection, and that the average labor rate 
    is $60 per work hour; therefore the estimated cost impact for the 
    proposed initial visual inspections would be $4,710,720. The FAA also 
    estimates, based on information received from the UK CAA regarding the 
    number of engines undergoing repetitive inspections in the UK due to 
    the UK CAA AD on the same subject, that 12%, or 1,178, of the affected 
    engines would contain crankshafts that require FPI. The FAA estimates 
    that each FPI would take approximately 8 hours, and that operators with 
    corroded crankshafts would perform one FPI per year. The estimated cost 
    for the repetitive FPI, therefore, is $565,286 annually. Lastly, the 
    FAA estimates that 5 crankshafts will require replacement per year due 
    to cracks, and that it would take 38 work hours per engine to replace 
    cracked crankshafts. Assuming that a replacement crankshaft would cost
    
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    approximately $6,000 per engine, the estimated cost for replacement of 
    5 crankshafts would be $41,400 annually. Therefore, the total estimated 
    cost impact of this proposal is $5,317,406 for the first year, and 
    $606,686 each year thereafter.
        Since these changes expand the scope of the originally proposed AD, 
    the FAA has determined that it is necessary to publish this 
    Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to provide an opportunity 
    for public comment on the revised proposal.
        The regulations proposed herein would 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 
    proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
    the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
    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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
    regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
    Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
    Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
    
    The Proposed Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
    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:
    
    Textron Lycoming: Docket No. 94-ANE-44.
    
        Applicability: Textron Lycoming 320 series limited to 160 
    horsepower, and 360 series, four-cylinder reciprocating engines with 
    fixed pitch propellers; except for the following installed in 
    helicopters or with solid crankshafts: HO-360 series, HIO-360 
    series, LHIO-360 series, VO-360 series, and IVO-360 series, and 
    Models O-320-B2C, O-360-J2A, AEIO-360-B4A, O-360-A4A, -4G, -A4J, -
    A4K, -A4M, and -C4F. These engines are installed on but not limited 
    to reciprocating engine powered aircraft manufactured by Cessna, 
    Piper, Beech, American Aircraft Corporation, Grumman American 
    Aviation, Mooney, Augustair Inc., Maule Aerospace Technology 
    Corporation, Great Lakes Aircraft Co., and Commander Aircraft Co.
    
        Note 1: 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 (g) 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 crankshaft failure, which can result in engine 
    failure, propeller separation, forced landing, and possible damage 
    to the aircraft, accomplish the following:
        (a) For engines shipped new from Textron Lycoming prior to and 
    including December 31, 1984, and that have never been overhauled, or 
    any engine remanufactured or overhauled and that has accumulated 
    1,000 hours or more time in service (TIS) since remanufacture or 
    overhaul, visually inspect the inner diameter (ID) of the crankshaft 
    for corrosion pits within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective 
    date of this AD, or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
    whichever occurs first, in accordance with Textron Lycoming 
    Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 505A, dated October 18, 1994.
        (1) The propeller must be removed in accordance with the 
    aircraft manufacturer's procedures to perform this inspection.
        (2) If corrosion pits are found during this inspection, prior to 
    further flight perform a Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) in 
    accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD.
        (3) Within 48 hours after these inspections, report the finding 
    of the inspection in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
        (b) For engines shipped new from Textron Lycoming after December 
    31, 1984, and that have never been overhauled, or any engine 
    remanufactured or overhauled and that has accumulated less than 
    1,000 hours TIS since remanufacture or overhaul, visually inspect 
    the ID of the crankshaft for corrosion pits, at the earliest 
    occurrence of any event specified in subparagraph (4) of this 
    paragraph, and in accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 505A, 
    dated October 18, 1994.
        (1) The propeller must be removed in accordance with the 
    aircraft manufacturer's procedures to perform this inspection.
        (2) If corrosion pits are found during this inspection, prior to 
    further flight perform an FPI in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
    this AD.
        (3) Within 48 hours after these inspections, report the finding 
    of the inspection in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
        (4) Visually inspect the ID of the crankshaft for corrosion pits 
    at the earliest of the following:
        (i) The next engine overhaul or disassembly.
        (ii) Within 10 years of the original shipping date or 6 months 
    from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
        (iii) Within 1,000 hours TIS since remanufacture or overhaul, or 
    6 months from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
        (c) Thereafter, if no corrosion pits or cracks are found on the 
    ID of the crankshaft during the initial visual inspection, perform a 
    visual inspection at intervals not to exceed 5 years since last 
    inspection, or at the next engine overhaul or disassembly, whichever 
    occurs first, in accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 505A, 
    dated October 18, 1994. If corrosion pits but no cracks are found on 
    the ID of the crankshaft during the initial visual inspection, 
    repeat the FPI at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS since last 
    FPI inspection until a serviceable crankshaft is installed in the 
    engine..
        (d) Prior to further flight, remove from service and replace 
    with a serviceable part any crankshaft found cracked during FPI 
    performed in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD.
        (e) An engine, installed in the aircraft having a corroded 
    crankshaft, may be returned to service without disassembly provided 
    an FPI confirms the bore to be crack free. The process and materials 
    utilized for the FPI must comply with the classification contained 
    in MIL-I-25135. The FPI must be fluorescent solvent removable 
    (Method C) utilizing a Type 1 penetrant system with a penetrant 
    sensitivity Level 3 or higher and a Form D-Nonaqueous Developer. 
    Spray containers of the materials are acceptable for this 
    inspection. An individual having a mechanic certificate with at 
    least an Airframe or Powerplant Rating who has the capability to 
    perform the FPI inspection method is authorized to perform the FPI 
    inspection. This FPI process involves the removal of penetrant 
    material from the inspection surface. To ensure that contaminants 
    from the cleaning process and the FPI do not enter the engine oil 
    supply, block off the area of the crankshaft bore that is aft of the 
    area being inspected by using a clean, dry, lint- free cloth. When 
    the FPI is completed remove the lint-free cloth from the crankshaft 
    bore before installing the front crankshaft plug. The FPI must be 
    performed using the following steps:
        (1) Cleaning--The crankshaft bore surface must be cleaned of 
    visible corrosion prior to the FPI process using Scotchbrite or an
    
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    equivalent material. Metal-removing processes must not be used for 
    visible corrosion cleaning. In addition, clean all surfaces to be 
    inspected utilizing a cleaner, such as Magnaflux Spot Check Cleaner/
    Remover SKC-NF or equivalent, on the ID of the crankshaft bore. Let 
    the cleaner/remover dry for 5 minutes minimum. Wipe clean with a 
    lint-free cloth.
        (2) Penetrant Application--Spray penetrant, such as ZYGLO ZL-22A 
    Magnaflux Corp. or equivalent Type 1 with a penetrant sensitivity 
    Level 3 or higher, on the ID bore.
        (3) Penetrant Dwell--Allow a minimum of 10 minutes dwell. For 
    dwell times exceeding 60 minutes the penetrant shall be reapplied to 
    prevent drying.
        (4) Penetrant Removal--Remove all bulk surface penetrant by 
    wiping with a clean, dry lint-free cloth. Make a single wipe and 
    then fold the cloth to provide a clean surface for succeeding wipes.
        (i) Solvent Wipe--After the bulk of the surface penetrant has 
    been removed, lightly moisten a fresh lint-free cloth with cleaner/
    remover and again wipe the surface. The cloth must not be saturated 
    and the inspection surface must not be flooded with solvent. 
    Excessive solvent will wash penetrant from defects.
        (ii) During wiping, the inspection surface shall be illuminated 
    with black light. Repeat the solvent wipe as necessary until no 
    residual trace of penetrant remains on the inspection surface.
        (5) Nonaqueous Developer (solvent suspended)--Following the 
    cleaner/remover wipe apply nonaqueous developer by spraying a 
    developer, such as Magnaflux Spot Check Developer SKD-NF or Form D-
    Nonaqueous equivalent, on the ID bore. Apply a thin uniform layer to 
    the bore surface. The optimum coating thickness is indicated by the 
    visibility of the part surface. If the metallic luster cannot be 
    seen the developer is too thick.
        (6) Dwell--Developer dwell is required to allow the developer 
    time to draw entrapped penetrant from any small defects. The minimum 
    development time shall be 10 minutes. The maximum dwell time for 
    nonaqueous developer shall be 60 minutes.
        (7) Inspection shall be performed within the allotted dwell 
    time. Components that are not inspected within the allotted dwell 
    time must be reprocessed.
        (i) Examine crankshaft bore in a darkened enclosure under 
    ultraviolet (black) light. Allow 1 minute for eyes to adapt to 
    darkened environment prior to inspecting crankshaft bore. Use of 
    photochromic lenses or permanent darkened lenses is prohibited.
        (ii) During inspection make sure that the black light intensity 
    is a minimum of 1200 microwatts/cm2 at the bore surface. This 
    can be accomplished by positioning the black light as close as 
    necessary to the bore to achieve 1200 microwatts/cm2. White 
    light background shall not exceed 20 1 x /m2 (2 foot-candles). 
    A photographic light meter may be used to determine the white light 
    background reading.
        (iii) Crankshaft bores having no crack indications are 
    acceptable.
        (iv) Magnification (10X maximum) and/or white light may be used 
    to determine discontinuity type. Indications, on parts exhibiting 
    fluorescent background which interferes with evaluation of 
    questionable indications, shall be evaluated as follows:
        (A) Lightly wipe the area once with a soft brush or cotton swab 
    applicator dampened with ethyl alcohol. Do not permit alcohol to 
    flood the surface.
        (B) After the alcohol evaporates from the surface, re-inspect. 
    If an indication reappears, evaluate it immediately. If the 
    indication does not reappear, reapply developer. The redevelopment 
    time shall equal the original development time. Thereafter, re-
    inspect.
        (8) After inspection, clean residual penetrants and developers 
    from the crankshaft bore. Remove the lint-free cloth from the 
    crankshaft bore prior to installing front crankshaft plug. Failure 
    to do so may result in oil restriction within the engine and in turn 
    cause engine failure. Reinstall the front crankshaft plug in 
    accordance with Textron Lycoming MSB No. 505A, dated October 18, 
    1994. Failure to install the plug properly may result in engine oil 
    loss and in turn cause engine failure.
        (f) After accomplishing the initial visual inspection and, if 
    necessary, the FPI, required by this AD, complete Appendix 1 of this 
    AD and submit to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification 
    Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth St., Valley 
    Stream, NY 11581; fax (516) 568-2716. Reporting requirements have 
    been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned 
    OMB control number 2120-0056.
    
    Appendix 1
    
    Textron Lycoming Crankshaft Inspection Survey
    
    AD DOCKET NO. 94-ANE-44
    
    Date of Inspection-----------------------------------------------------
    
    Inspector's Information
    
    Name-------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Address----------------------------------------------------------------
    
    State ____________ Zip Code ____________
    
    Telephone No.----------------------------------------------------------
    
    Facsimile No.----------------------------------------------------------
    
    Engine Model Number----------------------------------------------------
    
    Engine Serial Number (S/N)---------------------------------------------
    
        Date of Manufacture ________ (M/D/YR)
    
        Total Time (TT) ________ hrs
    
        Time Since Major Overhaul (SMOH) ________ hrs
    
        Crankshaft Part Number (located on prop flange) ________ S/N 
    ________
    
    Aircraft Make and Model
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Frequency of Flights ________ per month (average) Duration ________ 
    hrs per Flight
    
        How was aircraft being utilized? ________ Training, ________ 
    Personal, ________ Banner Towing, ________ Glider Towing, ________ 
    Agricultural, Other (please explain)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Propeller Make and Model
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        Has the aircraft ever experienced a propeller strike during 
    service? ________ Yes ________ No
    
        Was propeller ever removed for servicing or overhaul? ________ 
    Yes ________ No
        If yes, describe reason for removal in detail.
          
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
          
        What was the condition of the crankshaft internal bore?
        Corroded ______ Yes ______ No
        If corroded, how many pits? ____ 1 to 5, ____ 6 to 10, ______ 
    More than 10
        Was a crack found? ______ Yes ______ No
        If crack was found, complete the following: ______ Distance from 
    crankshaft end (Inches) ______ Crack Length (Inches)
    
    Comments:
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        (g) 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 2: 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.
    
        (h) 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.
    
        Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 26, 1996.
    Jay J. Pardee,
    Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-32 Filed 1-2-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/03/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.
Document Number:
97-32
Dates:
Comments must be received by April 3, 1997.
Pages:
343-347 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 94-ANE-44
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-32.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13