[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30433-30435]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-14285]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-101-AD; Amendment 39-10044; AD 97-12-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 650 Airplanes
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 Cessna Model 650 airplanes. This action
requires inspections to detect discrepancies of a certain wire bundle
assembly and to detect discrepancies of the hydraulic pump suction line
in the area above the baggage compartment; and corrective actions, if
necessary. This AD also requires modification of the supports for the
wire bundle cable assembly and the supports for the hydraulic pump
suction line. This amendment is prompted by a report that, due to
inadequate clearance, an alternating current (AC) wire chafed against
the hydraulic pump suction line and caused electrical arcing. The
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such electrical
arcing and consequent fire hazard.
DATES: Effective June 19, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 19, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before August 4, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-101-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. This
information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Wichita
Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jose Flores, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Propulsion Branch, ACE-116W, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road,
Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316)
946-4133; fax (316) 946-4407.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report of an in-
flight fire on a Cessna Model 650 airplane. The fire burned a hole
(approximately 8 x 9 inches) in the right side of the fuselage and into
the right engine pylon forward of the forward engine mount beam. The
fire also burned another hole (approximately 2 feet in diameter)
through the fuselage to the right side of the top centerline in the
area above the aft baggage compartment. In addition, the fire burned
into the empty fuel tank of the fuselage and consequently burned the
upper portion of the fuel cell liner. All avionics equipment and wiring
above the engine mount beams also were severely burned, which caused a
number of systems to be inoperative for the remainder of the flight.
Furthermore, the fire is also suspected of breaching the fuel line to
the auxiliary power unit and consequently providing additional fuel to
the fire.
Investigation revealed that, due to inadequate clearance, the
alternating current (AC) wire chafed against the hydraulic pump suction
line in the area above the baggage compartment. Such chafing resulted
in the electrical arcing of an AC wire and consequently led to the in-
flight fire. Subsequent ground testing, which simulated these
conditions, confirmed that the subject electrical arcing could result
in a fire.
Inadequate clearance between the AC wire and the hydraulic pump
suction line in the area above the baggage compartment, if not
corrected, could result in electrical arcing and may lead to a
potential fire hazard.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Cessna Citation Service Bulletin
650-24-57, dated May 15, 1997. The service bulletin describes
procedures for performing visual inspections to detect discrepancies of
the wire bundle assembly from point 1 to point 2, and to detect
discrepancies of the hydraulic pump suction line in the area above the
baggage compartment; and corrective actions, if necessary. The service
bulletin also describes procedures for modification of the supports for
the wire bundle cable assembly and the supports for the hydraulic pump
suction line. The modification involves installation of a clip and five
clamps with associated hardware. Accomplishment of these actions will
provide a positive separation between the AC wires and the hydraulic
pump suction line above the baggage compartment.
Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on certain other Cessna Model 650 airplanes of the
same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent electrical arcing
of the AC wire and consequent fire hazard. This AD requires visual
inspections to detect discrepancies of the wire bundle assembly from
point 1 to point 2, and to detect discrepancies of the hydraulic pump
suction line in the area above the baggage compartment; and corrective
actions, if necessary. This AD also requires modification of the
supports for the wire bundle cable assembly and the supports for the
hydraulic pump suction line. The actions are required to be
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described
previously.
Differences Between the AD and the Relevant Service Information
Operators should note that, unlike the recommended compliance time
(i.e., during the next scheduled maintenance period or phase
inspection) specified in the service bulletin for accomplishing the
inspections and modification, this AD requires that affected airplanes
be inspected and modified within 25 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of the AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time
for this action, the FAA considered not only the degree of urgency
associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the
susceptibility of electrical arcing of the AC wire, which could lead to
a potential fire hazard. In addition, the FAA has reviewed the results
of a survey
[[Page 30434]]
(conducted by Cessna) of 43 Cessna Model 650 airplanes. The results
indicate that the AC wire rubbed or chafed against the hydraulic pump
suction line on eight of these airplanes (18 percent). In light of
these factors, the FAA finds the compliance time specified in the AD
for accomplishing the required inspections and modification to be
warranted, in that it represents the maximum amount of time allowable
for the affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising
safety.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
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 shall 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 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 rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 97-NM-101-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
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 that it 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
97-12-01 Cessna Aircraft Company: Amendment 39-10044. Docket 97-NM-
101-AD.
Applicability: Model 650 airplanes, having serial numbers 650-
0174 through 650-0241 inclusive, 650-7001 through 650-7006
inclusive, and 650-7008 through 650-7076 inclusive, certificated in
any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been otherwise
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 (b) 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 electrical arcing of the alternating current wire and
consequent fire hazard, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 25 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Cessna
Service Bulletin SB650-24-57, dated May 15, 1997.
(1) Perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e.,
improper clearance, wear, and damage) of the wire bundle assembly
from point 1 to point 2, in accordance with the service bulletin. If
any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, replace the
wire bundle assembly with a new wire bundle assembly or install a
spiral wrap, as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) Perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e.,
chafing, rubbing, nicks, scratches, and burn marks) of the hydraulic
pump suction line in the area above the baggage compartment, in
accordance with the service bulletin. If any discrepancy is
detected, prior to further flight, repair it in accordance with the
service bulletin.
(3) Modify the supports for the wire bundle cable assembly and
the supports for the hydraulic pump suction line in accordance with
the service bulletin.
(b) 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, Wichita Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Wichita ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Wichita ACO.
(c) 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 airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) The inspections and modification shall be done in accordance
with Cessna Service Bulletin SB650-24-57, dated May 15, 1997. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal
[[Page 30435]]
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Copies may be obtained from Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706,
Wichita, Kansas 67277. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or
at the FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane
Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport,
Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 19, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 27, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-14285 Filed 6-3-97; 8:45 am]
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