| |
 | Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin |
 Header Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
SAIB Number:
ACE-96-05
Issue Date:
10/01/96
Subject:
Title:
PDF Copy:
 - ACE-96-05.pdf
 SAIB Scope
Full Text of the SAIB
SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN
AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION SERVICE
800 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE, S.W.
WASHINGTON, DC 20591 | | | 
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration |
| |  | No. ACE-96-05
October 1, 1996 |
Published by: FAA, AFS-610, P.O. Box 26460, Oklahoma City, OK 73125
This is issued for informational purposes only and any recommendation for corrective action is not mandatory.
INTRODUCTION : The purpose of this Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) is to advise registered owners of certain Cessna models of the need to inspect the exhaust system components.
This SAIB is being sent to registered owners of: Cessna Models T310P, T310Q, T310R, 320, 320-1, 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D, 320E, 320F, 335, 340, 340A, 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 402C, 404, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, 421, 421A, 421B, 421C.
BACKGROUND: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received service difficulty reports concerning exhaust system failures on certain Cessna Model 300 and 400 series airplanes and issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-23-08, Revision 5.
In February 1990, the FAA conducted an AD/service bulletin review on the Cessna Model 402 as part of the Aging Aircraft Program. The review team recommended that the repetitive inspection required by AD 75-23-08 on the Cessna Model 402 Stainless Steel exhaust system could be terminated if the owner/operator installed an Inconel exhaust system.
In July 1996, the FAA received the following recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):
Amend Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-23-08 R5 to require the recurring visual inspection set forth in the AD of all-Inconel exhaust system components in Cessna twin-engine, turbocharged airplanes. In addition, the Inconel exhaust system parts should be permanently marked to demonstrate that they are made with Inconel material. Any worn, damaged, or otherwise defective exhaust system components or assemblies should be replaced before any further flight. (Class II, Priority Action) (A-96-35)
Amend Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-23-08 R5 to require that all Cessna twin-engine, turbocharged engine exhaust system components that are made from stainless steel or that cannot be conclusively determined to be made with Inconel receive repetitive visual inspections of the disassembled exhaust system. Any worn, damaged, or otherwise defective exhaust system components or assemblies should be replaced before any further flight. (Class II, Priority Action) (A-96-36)
In addition, an FAA Safety Inspector has recommended the following:
1. Install fire detector systems on all turbocharged multiengine aircraft as required by 14 CFR 23.1203. Note: The certification basis of the 300 and 400 series turbocharged Cessna airplanes do not include 14 CFR 23.1203.
2. Incorporate a modification that would provide the pilot with the ability to stop the flow of fuel in the crossfeed lines immediately behind the firewall. Note: These lines have been found to be ruptured on airplanes having experienced exhaust failure and subsequent high heat on the firewall and damage to the firewall structure.
3. Inspect the fuel lines behind the firewall and install support brackets and blocks. Note: This procedure would be very time consuming due to l imited access to the fuel lines.
2 ACE-96-05
Cessna is currently developing Service Bulletins that follow the intent of the NTSB safety recommendations. Cessna is also considering redesigned inspection panels for improved access to the exhaust systems. At this time, Cessna is not considering the development of a closed loop fire detection system or incorporating isolation features in the fuel crossfeed lines (shutoff valves).
While the FAA considers the NTSB and FAA safety recommendations an increase in the level of safety, these recommendations would impos e a significant burden on the owner/operators.
RECOMMENDATION: The FAA is recommending, but not requiring, that:
A. Owner/operators of Cessna Model 300/400 series airplanes equipped with Inconel exhaust system components conduct a visual inspection of the exhaust system every 100 flight hours, with special emphasis aft of the slip joints.
B. Owner/operators of Cessna Model 300/400 series airplanes equipped with Stainless Steel exhaust system components remove the Stainless Steel components aft of the bellows/slip joints for a complete visual inspection every 100 flight hours.
NOTE: The FAA is considering several options, including rulemaking action, to mandate these recommendations. The FAA is aware that the disassembly and inspection of the Stainless Steel components will increase the cost of operation approximately $1,500 dollars every 100 operating hours. Because of this burden, the FAA is also considering possible alternative action when the following acceptable systems have been developed and approved:
a) Continuous loop fire detector systems.
b) Modifications that provide the pilot with the ability to stop the fuel flow in the crossfeed lines immediately behind the firewall.
c) Improved inspection access panels.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Federal Aviation Administration, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Attention: Mr. Paul Pendleton, 1801 Airport Road, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; or, Federal Aviation Administration, Project Support Office, ACE-112, Attn: Mr. Mike Kiesov, 1201 Walnut; Suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 , telephone (816) 426-6934, fax (816) 426-2169.
Comments
|