98-24-14: Exhaust System Components

98-24-14 CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY: Amendment 39-10923; Docket No. 98-CE-111-AD. Applicability: The following airplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category, that are equipped with any WYE tube, part number (P/N) 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26, in the engine exhaust system: Model Serial Numbers 340A 215 through 1817 414A 1 through 1212 NOTE 1: This AD allows the aircraft owner or pilot to check the maintenance records to determine whether any WYE tube, P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26, has been installed in the engine exhaust system between May 8, 1998, and December 21, 1998 (the effective date of this AD). See paragraph (c) of this AD for authorization. NOTE 2: Cessna is considering issuing service information pertaining to this subject. This AD takes precedence over any existing or future service information on this subject. NOTE 3: This AD applies to each airplane 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 airplanes 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. Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To detect and correct exhaust leaks caused by nonwelded exhaust system components, which could result in aluminum fuel lines bursting with consequent fuel spillage, an airplane fire, and/or an explosion, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to further flight after theeffective date of this AD, remove from service any P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26 engine exhaust system WYE tube. These P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26 WYE tubes may be replaced with any of the following in accordance with the instructions in the applicable maintenance manual or other applicable FAA-approved document: (1) P/N 9910299-8 (for the P/N 9910299-25) or P/N 9910299-9 (for the P/N 9910299-26) WYE tubes; or (2) Any other FAA-approved engine exhaust system WYE tube that is not P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install, on any affected airplane, any P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26 engine exhaust system WYE tube. (c) The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may check the maintenance records to determine whether any WYE tube, P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26, has been installed in the engine exhaust system between May 8, 1998, and December 21, 1998 (the effective date of this AD). If one of these WYE tubes is not installed, the AD does not apply and the owner/operator must make an entry into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Rm. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from Wichita ACO. (e) Information related to this AD may be examined at the FAA, Central Region,Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 21, 1998, except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 98-24-14, issued November 13, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment.