2010-13-07: Engine Exhaust.

2010-13-07 Piper Aircraft, Inc.: Amendment 39-16338; Docket No. FAA- 2010-0122; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-067-AD. Effective Date (a) This AD becomes effective on July 28, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category: Model Serial Numbers PA-32R-301T 3257001 through 3257311 PA-46-350P 4622001 through 4622200 and 4636001 through 4636341 Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 78: Engine Exhaust. Unsafe Condition This AD is the result of reports that spot-welded, V-band exhaust couplings are failing. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the V-band exhaust coupling, which could cause the exhaust pipe to detach from the turbocharger. This failure could result in release of high-temperature gases inside the engine compartment and possibly cause an in-flight fire. An in-flight fire could lead to loss of control. Compliance (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Replace V-band exhaust couplings, part number (P/N) Lycoming 40D21162-340M or Eaton/Aeroquip 55677-340M with an improved design Eaton/Aeroquip P/N NH1009399-10 or Lycoming P/N 40D23255-340M. At the next regularly scheduled maintenance event after July 28, 2010 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 28, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first. Remove the spot welded V-band clamp(s) and discard. Then, do either of the following actions: (i) Install the new riveted clamp(s) and tighten to an initial torque of 40 in. lbs. Tap the V-band clamp(s) around its circumference with a rubber mallet to equalize band tension. Retorque the clamp(s) to 60 in. lbs. and again tap the clamp(s) around its circumference. Retorque the clamp(s) to a 60 in. lbs. final torque and re-safety wire the V-band coupling(s); or (ii) Install the new riveted clamp(s) follow Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1238B, dated January 6, 2010, and re-safety wire the V-band coupling(s). (2) Do not install any Eaton/Aeroquip P/N 55677-340M or Lycoming P/N 40D21162-340M. As of July 28, 2010 (the effective date of this AD). Not applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Darby Mirocha, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Atlanta ACO, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; telephone: (404) 474- 5573; fax: (404) 474-5606. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Material Incorporated byReference (g) You must use Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1238B, dated January 6, 2010, or the procedures specified in paragraph (e)(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 Lycoming, 652 Oliver Street, Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone: (570) 323-6181; fax: (570) 327-7101; Internet: http:// www.lycoming.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the Central Region, call (816) 329-3768. (4) You may also review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives andRecords Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http:// www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html.