AD 2007-08-04 Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Models 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X Propellers

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

This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems models 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X propellers, herein referred to as C406 and C409 propellers, respectively. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, the airplanes in the following Table 1: Table 1.—Airplanes That Propellers Are Installed On, But Not Limited To Airplane models With engine model Beech: A35, B35, C35, D35, E35, F35, G35, H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, V35, V35A, V35B, 35-33, 35-A33, 35-B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, E33, E33A, E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, 36, A36, A45, and D45 Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) IO-520 series and IO-550 series reciprocating engines. Beech: A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35A, V35B TCM TSIO-520 series reciprocating engines. Navion: A (L-17B, C), B, D, E, F, G, and H TCM IO-550 and TSIO-520 series reciprocating engines.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Installation of Cockpit Placard for RPM Restriction (f) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, install a placard on the instrument panel as close to the tachometer as possible, that states, in 1/8 inch-high or higher characters, “Continuous operation between 2,350-2,450 RPM at or above 24″ manifold pressure is prohibited”. The placard shall have red letters, on a white contrasting background with a red border. For example:       Continuous operation between 2,350-2,450 RPM at or above 24″ manifold pressure is prohibited Propellers With Unknown Total Hours TIS, or 10,000 or More Hours Total TIS on the Effective Date of This AD (g) For propellers that the total TIS is unknown, or that have 10,000 or more hours total TIS on the effective date of this AD, remove the propeller from service within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD. Propellers With Fewer Than 10,000 Hours Total TIS on the Effective Date of This AD (h) For propellers with fewer than 10,000 total hours TIS on the effective date of this AD, do the following: (1) Perform an inspection of the propeller blades and repair if necessary, within 100 hours after the effective date of this AD, using paragraphs 2.B. through 2.F. of Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB248, dated April 19, 2005. (2) At the next propeller overhaul or next major propeller disassembly, life-limit-stamp the letter “L” on the propeller hub and blades, using paragraph 3 of Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems ASB No. ASB248, dated April 19, 2005. (3) Thereafter, within every 100 hours TIS or at next annual inspection, whichever occurs first, inspect, and repair if necessary, the propeller blades using paragraphs 2.B. through 2.F. of Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems ASB No. ASB248, dated April 19, 2005. (4) Remove the propeller from service upon reaching the life limit of 10,000 hours total TIS. Alternative Methods of

This AD results from testing by the manufacturer that identified stress conditions that affect the fatigue life and damage tolerance of C406 and C409 propellers, when installed on TCM IO-520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade or hub failure that could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane.