AD 98-02-07

final rule

Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) Propellers

AD Number
98-02-07
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
propeller
Docket
97-ANE-35-AD
FR Citation
Federal Register: January 28, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 18)
Technical illustration of an aircraft propeller assembly
Problem area Propeller

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Hartzell Propeller, Inc. HC-E4A Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) Propellers
propeller Hartzell Propeller, Inc. HC-E4A Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) Propellers

Unsafe Condition

Counterweight clamp bolt failure caused by a manufacturing defect (liquid metal embrittlement) can result in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Replace defective propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin HC-SB-61-219, Revision 1. Alternative methods of compliance may be approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Within 45 days or 400 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) propellers with serial numbers HJ1 to HJ654, installed on but not limited to Raytheon Beech 1900D series aircraft.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Federal Register Abstract

Counterweight Clamp Bolts

Applicability Source Text

Show captured applicability text from the source AD
AD Final Rules - DRS_98-02-07.html
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AD Number:
98-02-07
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
97-ANE-35-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) Propellers
Subject:
Counterweight Clamp Bolts
Status:
Current
Citation:
Federal Register: January 28, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 18)
Citation Publish Date:
01/28/1998
Effective Date:
02/12/1998
Make:
Hartzell Propeller, Inc.
Model:
HC-E4A
Product Type:
Propeller
Product Subtype:
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 [63 FR 4160 NO. 18 01/28/98]
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 98-02-07
CITATION:   [Federal Register: January 28, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 18)]

PAGE NUMBER:   [Page 4160]

DOCKET NUMBER:   97-ANE-35-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-10289

AD NUMBER:   98-02-07

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) Propellers

ACTION:   Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:   This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) propellers. This action requires replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts. This amendment is prompted by reports of a manufacturing defect in the counterweight clamp bolts that resulted in the blade counterweight separating and causing damage to the propeller. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft.

DATES:   Effective February 12, 1998.

ADDRESSES:  
Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-35-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: "9-ad-engineprop@faa.dot.gov". Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 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:   Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7031, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received a report that a Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt broke, the propeller blade counterweight separated in flight and damaged the adjacent propeller blade (about 12 inches from the hub). The investigation revealed that the propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt failure was caused by a manufacturing defect known as liquid metal embrittlement. The manufacturer has informed the FAA that all propellers operated on aircraft of U.S. registry have accomplished the required actions, and, therefore, are no longer affected by this unsafe condition. This AD, then, is necessary to require accomplishment of the required actions for propellers installed on aircraft currently of foreign registry that may some day be imported into the U.S. Accordingly, the FAA has determined that notice and prior opportunity for comment are unnecessary and good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. This condition, if not corrected, could result in counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft.

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No. HC-SB-61-219, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996, that describes procedures for replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure. This AD requires replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the 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 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 97-ANE-35-AD." 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

REGULATORY TEXT:  
98-02-07 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-10289. Docket 97-ANE-35-AD.
Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) propellers with serial numbers HJ1 to HJ654, installed on but not limited to Raytheon Beech 1900D series aircraft.

Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each propeller 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 propellers 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 (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 counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 45 days or 400 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first, identify and replace defective propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No. HC-SB-61-219, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996.

(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, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago 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 Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

(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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB:

Document No.	Pages	Revision	Date
HC-SB-61-219	1-8	1	July 2, 1996
Total pages: 8.			

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 Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 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.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on February 12, 1998.

FOOTER:

Document Text

Show stored source text (verify against official source)
AD Final Rules - DRS_98-02-07.html
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Print/Save as PDF
Document Versions
 Feedback
Details
AD Number:
98-02-07
Document Type:
AD Final Rules
Docket Number:
97-ANE-35-AD
Subject Heading:
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) Propellers
Subject:
Counterweight Clamp Bolts
Status:
Current
Citation:
Federal Register: January 28, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 18)
Citation Publish Date:
01/28/1998
Effective Date:
02/12/1998
Make:
Hartzell Propeller, Inc.
Model:
HC-E4A
Product Type:
Propeller
Product Subtype:
Affected AD:
Superseded AD:
Affected By:
Superseded By:
Service/Office:
Office of Primary Responsibility:
CFR Part Reference:
Part 39 [63 FR 4160 NO. 18 01/28/98]
Comments:
AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FINAL RULES: 98-02-07
CITATION:   [Federal Register: January 28, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 18)]

PAGE NUMBER:   [Page 4160]

DOCKET NUMBER:   97-ANE-35-AD

AMENDMENT:   39-10289

AD NUMBER:   98-02-07

SUBJECT HEADING:   Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) Propellers

ACTION:   Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:   This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) propellers. This action requires replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts. This amendment is prompted by reports of a manufacturing defect in the counterweight clamp bolts that resulted in the blade counterweight separating and causing damage to the propeller. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft.

DATES:   Effective February 12, 1998.

ADDRESSES:  
Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-35-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: "9-ad-engineprop@faa.dot.gov". Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 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:   Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7031, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has received a report that a Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt broke, the propeller blade counterweight separated in flight and damaged the adjacent propeller blade (about 12 inches from the hub). The investigation revealed that the propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt failure was caused by a manufacturing defect known as liquid metal embrittlement. The manufacturer has informed the FAA that all propellers operated on aircraft of U.S. registry have accomplished the required actions, and, therefore, are no longer affected by this unsafe condition. This AD, then, is necessary to require accomplishment of the required actions for propellers installed on aircraft currently of foreign registry that may some day be imported into the U.S. Accordingly, the FAA has determined that notice and prior opportunity for comment are unnecessary and good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. This condition, if not corrected, could result in counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft.

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No. HC-SB-61-219, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996, that describes procedures for replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure. This AD requires replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the 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 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 97-ANE-35-AD." 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

REGULATORY TEXT:  
98-02-07 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-10289. Docket 97-ANE-35-AD.
Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I) propellers with serial numbers HJ1 to HJ654, installed on but not limited to Raytheon Beech 1900D series aircraft.

Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each propeller 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 propellers 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 (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 counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 45 days or 400 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first, identify and replace defective propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No. HC-SB-61-219, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996.

(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, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago 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 Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

(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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB:

Document No.	Pages	Revision	Date
HC-SB-61-219	1-8	1	July 2, 1996
Total pages: 8.			

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 Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 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.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on February 12, 1998.

FOOTER:

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