AD 2007-08-02 Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( ) Propellers

Makes named: hartzell. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( ) propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D airplanes. (d) The parentheses appearing in the propeller model number indicates the presence or absence of an additional letter(s) that varies the basic propeller model. This AD still applies regardless of whether these letters are present or absent in the propeller model designation.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Initial Inspection, Rework, and Replacement (h) For propellers with 4,000 or more operating hours time-since-overhaul (TSO, initially inspect and rework the propeller blade retention radius and replace the propeller thrust bearing for each blade, within 100 operating hours. (i) For propellers with 2,000 or more operating hours TSO, but fewer than 4,000 operating hours TSO, inspect and rework the propeller blade retention radius and replace the propeller thrust bearing, for each blade, at the next propeller disassembly. (j) Use paragraphs 3.G.(1) through 3.G.(8) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, to do the actions in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. (k) Although Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, states in paragraph 3.G.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions, to install new blade thrust bearings if required, this AD requires always installing new blade thrust bearings. Repetitive Inspection, Rework, and Replacement (l) Thereafter, after every 3,000 additional operating hours time-in-service, inspect and rework the propeller blade retention radius and replace the propeller blade thrust bearing, for each blade. (m) Use paragraphs 3.G.(1) through 3.G.(8) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, to do these actions. (n) Although paragraph 3.G.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, states to install new blade thrust bearings if required, this AD requires always installing new blade thrust bearings. Definition (o) For the purpose of this AD, next propeller disassembly is defined as any maintenance requiring separating of the propeller hub halves. Previous Credit (p) Previous credit is allowed for inspections, rework, and replacements that were done using the Original or Revision 1 of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, before the effective date of this AD. Alternative Methods of

This AD results from reports of excessive propeller vibration and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust bearings found during routine and investigative propeller disassembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to the airplane, and possible loss of airplane control. Interim Action (f) These actions are interim actions and we may take further rulemaking actions in the future.