AD 98-12-09 Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. Model TPE331 Series Turboprop Engines

Makes named: cessna, commander, twin commander. Models named: TPE331-8, -10, -11, -12 series turboprop, 695, 695A. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

AlliedSignal Inc. (formerly Allied-Signal Aerospace Company, Garrett Engine Division and Garrett Turbine Engine Co.) Model TPE331-8, -10, -11 and -12 series turboprop engines with fuel manifold, Part Number (P/N) 3102469-1 or -2, repaired by Hoses Unlimited, Inc. prior to November 20, 1995. These engines are installed on but not limited to Ayres S2R-G10; Cessna Model 441; Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) C-212 series; Dornier 228 series; Fairchild SA226 and SA227 series; Jetstream 3101 and 3201 series; Mitsubishi MU-2B series (MU-2 series); and Twin Commander Aircraft Corp. Models 695 and 695A aircraft. Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fuel leakage of the fuel manifold, resulting in fuel spraying on hot turbine components, which could result in an engine fire, accomplish the following: (a) Check all fuel manifold identification bands for P/Ns 3102469-1 or -2 and the Hoses Unlimited, Inc. name, or review engine and aircraft maintenance records and purchase receipts to establish the origin and repairs on all fuel manifolds. If records indicate that fuel manifolds, P/Ns 3102469-1 or -2, are not installed in an engine or that Hoses Unlimited, Inc. has not been used as a repair facility, no further AD action is required. (b) Remove from service all fuel manifolds with the Hoses Unlimited, Inc. name and P/Ns 3102469-1 or -2 and replace with a serviceable fuel manifold in accordance with the applicable AlliedSignal engine maintenance manual, at first access to the fuel manifold assembly, at the next engine hot section inspection, or 3 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (c) For the purposes of this AD, first access to the fuel manifold is defined as any repair, modification, removal, or testing of the fuel manifold assembly or components of the fuel manifold assembly. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 7, 1998. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1998. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15089 Filed 6-5-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U