AD 2005-13-01 Airworthiness Directives; [Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG Models HO-V343 and HO-V343K Propellers]

This AD applies to Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG (Hoffmann Propeller) models HO-V343 and HO-V343K propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, general aviation airplanes possibly having an FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificate.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Propeller Blade Shake Inspection During Preflight Inspection (f) For all propellers, perform an inspection for propeller blade shake at each preflight inspection. If you have any blade shake, replace the propeller assembly. Propeller Blade Nut Preload Inspection (g) For all propellers, use paragraph 2.1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hoffmann Propeller Service Instruction (SI) No. 61-10-05 SI E 4D, dated March 16, 2005, to inspect blade nut preload at the following intervals: (1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD. (2) Inspect within 50 flight hours (FH) time-since-initial inspection. (3) Thereafter, inspect within 100 FH time-since-last inspection (TSLI). (h) If the blade nut preload inspection shows a loss of the blade nut preload, before further flight perform an ultrasonic inspection (UI) as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Ultrasonic Inspection (i) If the propeller meets any of the conditions detailed in subparagraphs (1) and (2) below, before further flight, calibrate the ultrasonic probe and conduct an ultrasonic inspection of the propeller hub blade retaining threads for cracks inserting the probe in each hub arm bore. Use paragraph 2.2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hoffmann Propeller Service Instruction (SI) No. 61-10-05 SI E 4D, dated March 16, 2005, to perform the inspection. (1) The propeller hub has accumulated 500 or more FH time-since-new (TSN), and has not been inspected using an ultrasonic or eddy current method, or (2) The blade nut preload and final retorque force inspection called for in paragraph (g) of this AD indicates a loss of blade retention nut preload torque below allowable limits. (j) For propellers with hubs that have accumulated 500 or more FH TSN repeat the ultrasonic inspection within intervals of 100 FH TSLI. Eddy Current Inspection (k) If the ultrasonic inspection shows any signs of cracks or damage, conduct an eddy current inspection of the threads in the hub bore before further flight. Use paragraph 2.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hoffmann Propeller Service Instruction (SI) No. 61-10-05 SI E 4D, dated March 16, 2005, to perform this inspection. (l) If you find any signs of cracks or damage to the propeller hub outside serviceable limits during the eddy current inspection, repair or replace the propeller before further flight. Credit for Previous Inspections (m) Previous credit is allowed for propeller hub inspections performed under the requirements of AD 2004-18-01. Hub Inspection Report (n) Complete Hoffmann Hub Inspection Report HO-V343 detailing any blade shake, blade nut preload history and final blade nut retorque force and forward report to Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG, Küpferlingstraße 9, D-83022 Rosenheim, Germany, telephone ++49-(0)8031-1878-0; fax ++49-(0)8031-1878-78. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (o) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Material Incorporated by Reference (p) You must use Hoffmann Propeller Service Instruction No. 61-10-05 SI E 4D, dated March 16, 2005, to perform the checks and inspections required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get a copy from Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG, Küpferlingstraße 9, D-83022 Rosenheim, Germany, telephone ++49-(0)8031-1878-0; fax ++49-(0)8031-1878-78; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Related Information (q) LBA airworthiness directive D-2004-352R4, dated April 10, 2005, which holds EASA Approval No. 2005-2514, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 13, 2005. Francis A. Favara, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-12172 Filed 6-21-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of a blade separating from either a model HO-V343 or HO-V343K propeller. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub failure and blade separation due to an unknown root cause, leading to damage and possible loss of control of the airplane.