2006-23-10: Blade counterweight capscrew holes

2006-23-10 Dowty Propellers (formerly Dowty Rotol Ltd): Amendment 39-14822. Docket No. FAA-2006-26220; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE- 40-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 24, 2006. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Dowty Propellers R321/4-82-F/8; R324/4- 82-F/9; R333/4-82-F/12; and R334/4-82-F/13 propellers, if blades are installed with serial numbers (SNs) A156121 through A156132; A156137 through A156160; A156165 through A156168; A156177 through A156184; A156194; and A156196 through A156200. These propellers are known to be installed on, but not limited to CASA 212; M7 Aerospace (formerly Fairchild; Swearingen) SA227TT, SA227AT, and SA227AC; and BAE Systems (formerly British Aerospace) Jetstream 3100 and 3200 series airplanes. Reason (d) One propeller blade has recently been identified after delivery from Dowty Propellers where the blade counterweight capscrew holes havenot been correctly drilled. If the capscrew holes are not machined to their required depth, it may appear that the capscrew has been correctly assembled, but the counterweight will not be properly retained. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure (due to fatigue) of one or more capscrews, release of the counterweight during propeller operation, and consequent risk of injury to aircraft occupants and persons on the ground. Dowty has concluded that the problem is associated only with blades manufactured between April and July 2006, identified by SN in the applicability section of this directive. Actions and Compliance (e) Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Before next flight after the effective date of this directive, identify the propeller blades that have a SN listed in the applicability section of this directive and inspect the affected blades in accordance with the instructions contained in Dowty Propellers Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)No. 61-A1133, dated October 17, 2006, and ASB No. 61-A1134, dated October 17, 2006, as applicable. (2) When discrepancies are found, before further flight the counterweight attachment hole must be re-machined. Contact Dowty Propellers for advice on re-machining the holes. (3) After the effective date of this directive, no person may install one of the listed SN propeller blades on an aircraft unless the blade has been inspected and, if necessary, reworked in accordance with the requirements of this directive. FAA AD Differences (f) None. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120- 0056. (h) Special Flight Permits: We are prohibiting special flight permits. Related Information (i) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2006-0326-E, dated October 23, 2006. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the Dowty Propellers service information specified in Table 1 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dowty Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL 29QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 716001. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; 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.govfederal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference Dowty Propellers Alert Service Bulletin No. Page Revision Date 61-A1133 All Original October 17, 2006 61-A1134 All Original October 17, 2006