AD 95-26-16 R1

On December 22, 1995, the FAA issued priority letter AD 95-26-16 to require repetitively inspecting the alternate air door assembly to ensure a cotter pin exists and is secure on certain Mooney Model M20J airplanes, and replacing the cotter pin with a part number MS 24665-132 if it does not exist or is not secure. A fatal accident involving a Mooney Model M20J airplane with reported engine failure in flight at 6,000 feet prompted the FAA to issue priority letter AD 95-26-16.

After the reported engine failure, the pilot attempted to vector the airplane to the nearest airport and crashed into a wooded lot. Investigation of the accident revealed that the alternate air door bolt separated from its fastener, which allowed the alternate air door to lodge in the air intake of the fuel injector, resulting in restricted air flow to the engine.

An FAA review of service history on Mooney Model M20J airplanes revealed four other incidents involving the alternate air door separating and becoming lodged in the intake of the fuel injector. These include two reports of rough engine operation while in flight with emergency landing, an aborted take-off because of engine power loss, and a service difficulty report found during a 100-hour time-in-service (TIS) inspection.

After the issuance of priority letter AD 95-26-16, Mooney developed an alternate air door plate assembly of improved design that, when incorporated on Mooney Model M20J airplanes, prevents the alternate air door assembly from separating from the airplane and restricting air flow to the engine. Mooney Service Bulletin (SB) M20-250B and SB M20-253A, both dated December 1995, specify procedures for modifying the alternate air door assembly on Mooney Model M20J airplanes. This modification consists of incorporating the following parts of improved design:

- plate assembly, part number (P/N) 600355-507;

- four rivets, P/N MS20426AD3;

- a cotter pin, P/N MS24665-132;- a self-locking castellated nut, P/N MS17825-4; and

- a washer, P/N AN960-416.

After examining all information related to the subject accident and incidents, including the referenced service information, the FAA determined that (1) priority letter AD 95-26-16 should allow the option of incorporating an alternate air door plate assembly of improved design as terminating action for the repetitive inspections; and (2) AD action should be taken to prevent the alternate air door on certain Mooney Model M20J airplanes from separating and restricting air flow to the engine.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Mooney Model M20J airplanes of the same type design, the FAA revised priority letter AD 95-26-16 to provide the option of incorporating the above-referenced modification as terminating action for the requirement of repetitively inspecting the alternate air door assembly.

Since it was found that immediate correctiveaction was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause existed to make priority letter AD 95-26-16 R1 effective immediately by individual letters issued on January 5, 1996, to all known U.S. operators of certain Mooney Model M20J airplanes. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective as to all persons.

Comments Invited Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting immediate flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and opportunity to 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 tothe address specified above. 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 postcardon which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket No. 95-CE-102-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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Section 39.13 - [AMENDED] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: