AD 92-16-14

92-16-14 BEECH: Amendment 39-8323. Docket No. 92-NM-95-AD.

Applicability: Model 400A series airplanes having serial numbers RK-1 through RK-28, inclusive; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent fire and potential explosion of the fuselage fuel tanks, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, conduct a one-time visual inspection of the flame arrestor filter, Beech part number 45A48235-3, to determine whether it is manufactured of aluminum honeycomb (silver-colored) or phenolic honeycomb (brown-colored) material, in accordance with Beech Service Bulletin 2445, dated June 1992.

(1) If the filter is made of aluminum honeycomb material, no further action is required.

(2) If the filter is made of phenolic honeycomb material, prior to further flight, replace the currently installed flame arrestor filter with one having Beech part number 45A48235-5, or with Beech part number 45A48235-3 that has been confirmed to be made of aluminum.

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no flame arrestor filter, Beech P/N 45A48235-3, constructed of phenolic honeycomb material shall be installed on any airplane.

(c) 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: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Beech Service Bulletin 2445, dated June 1992. (NOTE: The issue date of this Beech Service Bulletin 2445 is indicated only on page 1 of 4; no other page is dated.) 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 Beech Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., 7th Floor, Suite 700, Washington, DC.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on September 1, 1992.