AD 97-01-04

On December 27, 1996, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive (AD) 97-01-04, applicable to Textron Lycoming Models TIO-540-A2C, -J2B, - F2BD, -J2BD, -N2BD, -R2AD, -S1AD, and LTIO-540-J2B, -F2BD, -J2BD, N2BD, -R2AD, and IO- 540-M1B5D reciprocating engines, with Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacture Approval (PMA) part number SL54000-A1, -A2, -A2P, -A20P, and A21P series replacement cylinder assemblies installed, with serial numbers 001 through 650. That action was prompted by a report from the Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of a New Piper Company Model PA31-350 aircraft, with a Textron Lycoming TIO-540 engine installed, that suffered an inflight engine failure. An examination of the engine revealed that a Superior Air Parts, Inc. PMA part numbers SL54000 series replacement cylinder assembly experienced a cylinder head separation. A soap leak check of the other 5 cylinders detected bubbles in 2 cylinders indicating a crack. Superior Air Parts has reported 12 fractured cylinders from the field. The cause of the cylinder head fractures and separations appears to be that the design of the PMA cylinder wall thickness is too thin. This condition, if not corrected, could result in cylinder head separation, inflight loss of power, possible engine failure, and fire. The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Superior Air Parts, Inc. Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 96-002, Revision A, dated December 17, 1996, that describes procedures for dye penetrant inspections of cylinder assemblies for cracking. Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, the FAA issued priority letter AD 97-01-04 to prevent cylinder head separation, inflight loss of power, possible engine failure, and fire. The AD requires removal of cylinders from engines with 300 or more hours Time in Service (TIS) since installation of the affected cylinder assemblies on the effective date of this AD within 5 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, and replacement with serviceable parts. For engines with 245 hours or more TIS since installation of the affected cylinder assemblies on the effective date of this AD, this AD requires an initial dye penetrant inspection within 5 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, followed by repetitive dye penetrant inspections at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS until reaching the 300 hours TIS limit, upon which the cylinder assemblies must be removed from service. Instead of the dye penetrant inspections, operators may optionally remove affected cylinder assemblies and replace with serviceable parts. Cylinder assemblies with less than 245 hours TIS since installation of the affected cylinder assemblies on the effective date of this AD must begin the dye penetrant inspections upon reaching 250 hours TIS since installation of the affected cylinder assemblies. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the MSB described previously. Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual letters issued on December 27, 1996, to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Textron Lycoming TIO-540, LTIO-540, and IO-540 series reciprocating engines with certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. PMA replacement cylinder assemblies installed. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to Section 39.13 of part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to make it effective to all persons. 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 byinterested 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 96-ANE-43." 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. 39.13 - [AMENDED] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: