Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Engine Oil Filter Adapters, Part Numbers 0450404-1, 0450404-3, 0556004-1, 0556010- 1, 1250403-6, 1250922-1, and 1250922-2, Installed on Aircraft

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-CE-54-AD]

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Engine Oil

Filter Adapters, Part Numbers 0450404-1, 0450404-3, 0556004-1, 0556010-

1, 1250403-6, 1250922-1, and 1250922-2, Installed on Aircraft

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive

(AD) that would apply to Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) engine oil

filter adapters, part numbers 0450404-1, 0450404-3, 0556004-1, 0556010-

1, 1250403-6, 1250922-1, and 1250922-2, installed on aircraft. The

proposed action would require applying torque paint between the engine

filter adapter assembly, nut, and oil pump housing; inspecting the oil

filter and adapter assembly for oil leakage and proper installation of

the adapter retaining nut and fretting of associated threads

(security), and replacing any oil filter and adapter assembly with oil

leakage or security problems; and repetitively inspecting the torque

paint for cracks or misalignment, and reinspecting the oil filter and

adapter assembly if torque paint cracks or misalignment is found.

Reports of loose or separated engine oil filter adapters on several

airplanes prompted the proposed action. The actions specified by the

proposed AD are intended to prevent loss of engine oil caused by loose

or separated oil filter adapters, which could result in engine stoppage

while in flight and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 28, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief

Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-CE-54-AD, Room 1558, 601 E.

12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at

this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday,

holidays excepted.

Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained

from the Cessna Aircraft Company, Customer Services, P.O. Box 1521,

Wichita, Kansas 67201. This information also may be examined at the

Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Paul O. Pendleton, Aerospace

Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport

Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4143;

facsimile (316) 946-4407.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the

proposed 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 above. All

communications received on or before the closing date for comments,

specified above, will be considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in

light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All

comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing

date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested

persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned

with the substance of this proposal 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 No. 93-CE-54-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request

to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-CE-54-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,

Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

The FAA has received 10 reports of loose or separated engine oil

filter adapters on in-service airplanes. The affected adapters are

Cessna engine oil filter adapters, part numbers 0450404-1, 0450404-3,

0556004-1, 0556010-1, 1250403-6, 1250922-1, and 1250922-2. Three of the

incidents resulted in an airplane accident, one serious. These engine

oil filter adapters are installed on, but not limited to the following:

(1) The following Cessna model and series airplanes with an

affected adapter installed at manufacture:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Model or series Serial Nos.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

150................. 17001 through 17999, 59001 through 59018, and

15059019 through 15079405.

A150................ A1500001 through A1500734.

F150................ F150-0001 through F150-0529 and F15000530 through

F15001428.

FA150............... FA1500001 through FA1500120.

FRA150.............. FRA1500121 through FRA1500336.

172................. 28000 through 47746 and 17247747 through 17256512.

F172................ F172-0001 through F172-0654 and F17200655 through

F17200804.

FR172............... FR172-0001 through FR17200559 and FR17200561.

180................. 30000 through 50911 and 18050912 through 18053203.

182................. 33000 through 53007 and 18253008 through 18268293.

A182................ A182-0057 through A182-0148.

F182................ F18200001 through F182000169.

185................. 185-0001 through 185-1599 and 18501600 through

18504410.

188................. 188-0001 through 188-0572, 18800573 through

18803945, 18800967T through 18803968T, and

T18803307T through T18803968T.

205................. 205-0001 through 205-577.

206................. 206-0001 through 206-0275.

P206/TP206.......... P206-0001 through P206-0603 and P20600604 through

P20600647.

U206/TU206.......... U206-0276 through U206-1444 and U20601445 through

U20606459.

207/T207............ 20700001 through 20700734.

210................. 57001 through 57575 and 21057576 through 21064780.

P210................ P21000001 through P21000811.

T210................ T210-0001 through T210-0454.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Airplanes that have an affected full flow engine oil adapter

installed by field approval, including, but not limited to the

following model or series airplanes:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturer Series/Models

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twin Commander...... Models 200D, 500A, 500C, 500D, and 685.

Beech............... 33, 35, 36, 55, 58, and 95 Series.

Piper............... PA46 Series.

Navion.............. Rangemaster.

Ryan Navion......... Model L-17.

Wren................ Model 460.

Bellanca............ Models 260 and 300.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Airplanes equipped with one of the following Teledyne

Continental Motors model or model series engines:

O-470 IO-470 TSIO-470

O-520 IO-520 TSIO-520

GTSIO-520 IO-550 TSIO-550

Cessna has issued Service Bulletin (SB) SEB93-1, dated January 29,

1993, which specifies procedures for inspecting the engine oil filter

and adapter assembly. Oil filter and assembly installation procedures

and torque values are included in the applicable Cessna maintenance

manual.

After examining the circumstances and reviewing all available

information related to the incidents described above including the

referenced service instructions, the FAA has determined that AD action

should be taken to prevent loss of engine oil caused by loose or

separated oil filter adapters, which could result in engine stoppage

while in flight and loss of control of the airplane.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop in other airplanes utilizing a Cessna engine oil

filter adapter, part number 0450404-1, 0450404-3, 0556004-1, 0556010-1,

1250403-6, 1250922-1, or 1250922-2, of the same type design, the

proposed AD would require (1) applying torque paint between the engine

filter adapter assembly, nut, and oil pump housing; (2) inspecting the

oil filter and adapter assembly for oil leakage and proper installation

of the adapter retaining nut and fretting of associated threads

(security), and replacing any oil filter and adapter assembly with oil

leakage or security problems; and (3) repetitively inspecting the

torque paint for cracks or misalignment, and reinspecting the oil

filter and adapter assembly if torque paint cracks or misalignment is

found.

The FAA estimates that 70,000 airplanes in the U.S. registry

incorporate this engine oil filter and assembly and would be affected

by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 workhour per

airplane to accomplish the proposed initial inspection and torque paint

application, and that the average labor rate is approximately $55 an

hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD

on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,850,000. This cost is based on

the assumption that no operator has accomplished the initial

inspection, and does not take into account the cost for repetitive

inspections. The FAA has no way of determining how many repetitive

inspections each individual operator would incur.

The regulations proposed herein would 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

proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant

the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is

not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;

(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and

Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated,

will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a

substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the

Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation

prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of

it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location

provided under the caption ``ADDRESSES''.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend

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 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.

106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Sec. 39.13 [AMENDED]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new AD to read as follows:

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. 93-CE-54-AD.

Applicability: Engine Oil Filter Adapters, part numbers 0450404-

1, 0450404-3, 0556004-1, 0556010-1, 1250403-6, 1250922-1, and

1250922-2, installed on, but not limited to the following:

(1) The following Cessna model and series airplanes with an

affected adapter installed at manufacture:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Model or series Serial Nos.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

150................. 17001 through 17999, 59001 through 59018, and

15059019 through 15079405.

A150................ A1500001 through A1500734.

F150................ F150-0001 through F150-0529 and F15000530 through

F15001428.

FA150............... FA1500001 through FA1500120.

FRA150.............. FRA1500121 through FRA1500336.

172................. 28000 through 47746 and 17247747 through 17256512.

F172................ F172-0001 through F172-0654 and F17200655 through

F17200804.

FR172............... FR172-0001 through FR17200559 and FR17200561.

180................. 30000 through 50911 and 18050912 through 18053203.

182................. 33000 through 53007 and 18253008 through 18268293.

A182................ A182-0057 through A182-0148.

F182................ F18200001 through F182000169.

185................. 185-0001 through 185-1599 and 18501600 through

18504410.

188................. 188-0001 through 188-0572, 18800573 through

18803945, 18800967T through 18803968T, and

T18803307T through T18803968T.

205................. 205-0001 through 205-577.

206................. 206-0001 through 206-0275.

P206/TP206.......... P206-0001 through P206-0603 and P20600604 through

P20600647.

U206/TU206.......... U206-0276 through U206-1444 and U20601445 through

U20606459.

207/T207............ 20700001 through 20700734.

210................. 57001 through 57575 and 21057576 through 21064780.

P210................ P21000001 through P21000811.

T210................ T210-0001 through T210-0454.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Airplanes that have an affected full flow engine oil adapter

installed by field approval, including, but not limited to the

following model or series airplanes:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturer Series/Models

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twin Commander...... Models 200D, 500A, 500C, 500D, and 685.

Beech............... 33, 35, 36, and 55 Series.

Piper............... PA46 Series.

Navion.............. Rangemaster.

Ryan Navion......... Model L-17.

Wren................ Model 460.

Bellanca............ Models 260 and 300.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Airplanes equipped with one of the following Teledyne

Continental Motors model or model series engines:

O-470 IO-470 TSIO-470

O-520 IO-520 TSIO-520

GTSIO-520 IO-550 TSIO-550

Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless

already accomplished.

To prevent loss of engine oil caused by loose or separated oil

filter adapters, which could result in engine stoppage while in

flight and loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the

following:

(a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service or upon removal of

the engine oil filter, whichever occurs first, disassemble the

engine oil filter assembly in accordance with the applicable

maintenance manual, and accomplish the following:

(1) Inspect the oil filter and adapter assembly for oil leakage

and proper installation of the adapter retaining nut and fretting of

the associated threads (security) in accordance with Cessna Service

Bulletin SEB93-1, dated January 29, 1993.

(2) Prior to further flight, replace any oil filter and adapter

assembly with oil leakage or security problems.

(3) Apply torque paint between the engine filter adapter

assembly, nut, and oil pump housing.

(4) Reassemble the engine oil filter assembly.

(5) The disassembly, replacement (if necessary), and assembly

required by the paragraphs above shall be accomplished in accordance

with the applicable Cessna maintenance manual.

Note 1: If the airplane has one of the applicable engine oil

filter assemblies installed by field approval, it is the

responsibility of the airplane owner/operator to obtain the

applicable Cessna maintenance manual information, which includes

torque values.

(b) Within 100 hours TIS after the inspection required by

paragraph (a) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed

100 hours TIS or upon removal of the engine oil filter, whichever

occurs first, accomplish the following:

(1) Inspect the torque paint for cracks or misalignment.

(2) If any torque paint cracks or misalignment is found, prior

to further flight, accomplish the requirements specified in

paragraph (a) of this AD, including all subparagraphs.

(c) Replacing the engine oil filter assembly does not eliminate

the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD.

(d) 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 airplane to a location where

the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the

compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be

approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office

(ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita,

Kansas 67209. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate

FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to

the Manager, Wichita ACO.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Wichita ACO.

(f) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of

the document referred to herein upon request to the Cessna Aircraft

Company, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, Kansas 67277; or may examine this

document at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief

Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 12, 1994.

Barry D. Clements,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Office.

[FR Doc. 94-23080 Filed 9-16-94; 8:45 am]

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