AD 89-16-10

89-16-10 CESSNA: Amendment 39-6286.

Applicability: Model 550 and 551 series airplanes, Unit Numbers -0002 through -0207 and -0209, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent failure of fuel flow transmitter electrical connector end fittings, which could result in total engine power loss or an engine compartment fire, accomplish the following:

A. Within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect both engines to determine whether Cessna Part Number (P/N) 9912031-6 fuel flow transmitters are installed, in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB550-73-2, dated February 10, 1989.

B. If Cessna P/N 9912031-6 fuel flow transmitters are installed on both engines, no further action is necessary.

C. If Cessna P/N 9912031-5 fuel flow transmitters are installed, inspect the transmitter electrical connector end fitting for each, in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB550-73-2, dated February 10, 1989.

1. If each Cessna P/N 9912031-5 fuel flow transmitter is determined to have a one-piece electrical connector end fitting, no further action is necessary.

2. Each Cessna P/N 9912031-5 fuel flow transmitter determined to have a two-piece electrical connector end fitting must be replaced, either:

a. prior to further flight, in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB550-73-1, Revision 1, dated April 19, 1989; or

b. within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB550-73-1, Revision 1, dated April 19, 1989, provided that the fitting is initially inspected in accordance with Paragraph 5 of Cessna Service Bulletin SB550-73-2, dated February 10, 1989, and inspected thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service, and found to be free of cracks between the electrical connector receptacle and the end fitting base. Any transmitter having a cracked fitting must be replaced prior to further flight, in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB550-73-1, Revision 1. Replacement of a transmitter in accordance with Cessna Service Bulletin SB550-73-1, Revision 1, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this paragraph for the transmitter replaced.

D. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Central Region.

NOTE: If appropriate, the request should be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI), who will either concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office.

E. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base in order to comply with the requirements of this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Cessna Aircraft Company, Citation Marketing Division, P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277. This information may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, Transport Airplane Directorate, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington; or at the FAA, Central Region, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas.

This amendment (39-6286, AD 89-16-10) becomes effective on September 7, 1989.