AD 2012-02-06

This AD is effective March 15, 2012.

None.

Honeywell International Inc. TPE331-10, -10AV, -10GP, -10GT, -10N, -10P, -10R, -10T, -10U, -10UA, -10UF, -10UG, -10UGR, -10UR, and TPE331-11U model turboprop engines with a first stage turbine disk, part number (P/N) 3101520-1 or 3107079-1, with a serial number (S/N) listed in Table 2 of Honeywell International Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008, installed.

This AD was prompted by a report of an uncontained failure of a first stage turbine disk that had a metallurgical defect. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the first stage turbine disk and damage to the airplane.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

(1) For first stage turbine disks, P/N 3101520-1 or 3107079-1, that have an S/N listed in Table 2 of Honeywell International Inc. ASB TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008, inspect the disks as follows:

(i) For turbine disks with 4,100 or fewer cycles-since-new (CSN) on the effective date of this AD, perform an initial fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) by using paragraph 3.B.(2) through 3.B.(5) of Honeywell International Inc. ASB TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008, within 4,500 CSN or at the next access, whichever occurs first.

(ii) For turbine disks with more than 4,100 CSN on the effective date of this AD, perform an initial FPI by using paragraph 3.B.(2) through 3.B.(5) of Honeywell International Inc. ASB TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008, within 400 cycles-in-service (CIS) after the effective date of this AD or at the next access, whichever occurs first.

(iii) If the disk passes the FPI inspection, perform a special eddy current inspection (ECI) by using paragraph 3.B.(6) of Honeywell International Inc. ASB TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008, before returning the disk to service.

(2) If you find a crack in the disk, remove the disk from service.

(1) Thereafter, for first stage turbine disks, P/N 3101520-1 or 3107079-1, that have an S/N listed in Table 2 of Honeywell International Inc. ASB TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008, inspect the disks as follows:

(i) Perform a repetitive inspection at each scheduled hot section inspection, but not to exceed 3,600 hours-since-last inspection. Use paragraph 3.B.(2) through 3.B.(5) of Honeywell International Inc. ASB TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008.

(ii) If the disk passes the FPI inspection, perform a special ECI by using paragraph 3.B.(6) of Honeywell International Inc. ASB TPE331-72-A2156, dated December 2, 2008, before returning the disk to service.

(2) If you find a crack in the disk, remove the disk from service.

For the purpose of this AD, “next access to the first stage turbine disk” is defined as the removal of the second stage turbine nozzle from the turbine stator housing.

The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 to make your request.

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: (562) 627-5246; fax: (562) 627-5210; email: joseph.costa@faa.gov.

(2) Contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-2802; phone: (800) 601-3099 (toll free in U.S. or Canada) or (602) 365-3099 (International direct); Web site: http://portal.honeywell.com; for a copy of the service information referenced in this AD.

(1) You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:

(i) Honeywell International Inc., Alert Service Bulletin TPE331-72-A2156, December 2, 2008.

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Honeywell International Inc., 111 S. 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-2802; Web site: http://portal.honeywell.com; or call Honeywell toll free at (800) 601-3099 (U.S./Canada) or (602) 365-3099 (International Direct).

(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7125.

(4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.