AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Beechcraft 1900 Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 1900/37 Elevator Balance Weight Attachment 2/2003
Applicability: Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D aircraft, with serial numbers listed in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) SB 27-3187, Revision 1, Revised September 2001.
Requirement: 1. Check the aircraft logbook to determine whether the elevator(s) have been removed. If, by checking the logbook, it can be positively determined that the elevators have never been removed, no further action is required.
2. If, by checking the logbook, it can determined that the elevator(s) has/have been removed, or if complete records of elevator(s) do not exist, inspect the elevator balance weight attachment screws to determine if they are the correct length in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section of Raytheon MSB SB 27-3187 Revision 1. If the inspection reveals the elevator balance weight attachment screws are the correct length, no further action is required.
3. If, during the Requirement 2 inspection, the elevator balance weight attachment screw(s) are found to be incorrect length, remove and rebalance the elevator(s) by installing the balance weights with the appropriate new elevator balance weight attachment bolts in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions section of Raytheon MSB SB 27-3187 Revision 1, and the applicable maintenance manual.
4. Do not install, on any affected aircraft, an elevator that has been rebalanced unless it has been rebalanced by installing the balance weights with the appropriate new balance weight attachment bolts, part number in the range of NAS6703HU12 through NAS6703HU22, that have drilled heads and are secured with safety wire.
Note: FAA AD 2002-23-11 Amdt 39-12955 refers.
Compliance: For Requirements 1 and 2: Within 200 hours time in service after 20 February 2003.
Requirement 3: Before further flight. Requirement 4: As of 20 February 2003.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 February 2003.
Beechcraft 1900 Series Aeroplanes
AD/BEECH 1900/37 (continued)
Background: The FAA received reports of three incidents in which the elevator jammed during takeoff and landing on Models 200, B300, and 1900C aircraft. Investigation revealed the cause of the elevator jam was that the attachment screws and balance weights were not properly installed when the elevators were balanced after they were removed for repair or repainting.
David Alan Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 19 December 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 29 January 2003.
Overview
The Airworthiness Directive issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically AD/BEECH 1900/37, was enacted on 20 February 2003 to address the unsafe condition identified in certain models of Beechcraft 1900 Series Aeroplanes, namely the 1900, 1900C, and 1900D aircraft, with serial numbers listed in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin SB 27-3187, Revision 1. This directive was issued in response to reports of elevator jams during critical phases of flight, which were attributed to improper installation of elevator balance weight attachment screws. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure the airworthiness of the affected aircraft by mandating specific actions to rectify the identified unsafe condition, thereby enhancing flight safety. The directive was issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) delegate, David Alan Villiers, and became effective from the date specified.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) pertains to the Beechcraft 1900 Series aeroplanes, specifically models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D, identified by the serial numbers listed in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) SB 27-3187, Revision 1. This directive is applicable to the aforementioned aircraft models and imposes mandatory actions to ensure safety, particularly in relation to the elevator balance weight attachment. The directive applies to all aircraft within the specified models and serial numbers, requiring owners and operators to comply with the outlined requirements to maintain airworthiness standards. The AD is applicable on a national level as it is issued by CASA, which is the federal regulatory body for civil aviation in Australia. The directive excludes aircraft that have not had their elevators removed or have complete records showing correct installation of balance weight attachment screws. Subordinate instruments may further detail specific procedures or additional requirements, but the primary directive itself does not specify extensions or restrictions beyond the provided instructions.
Key Provisions
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to Beechcraft 1900 Series Aeroplanes, specifically Models 1900, 1900C, and 1900D aircraft, with serial numbers listed in Raytheon Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) SB 27-3187, Revision 1, Revised September 2001 (section 2). The directive mandates actions to address the unsafe condition of elevator balance weight attachments, which may cause the elevator to jam during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. The requirement section outlines specific actions based on whether the elevators have been removed and the condition of the attachment screws (section 3). If the elevators have not been removed, no further action is needed. If they have been removed or if there are no complete records, the screws must be inspected to determine their correct length. If the screws are incorrect, the elevators must be rebalanced using appropriate new bolts. It is imperative not to install rebalanced elevators unless they are secured with the correct bolts and safety wire. Compliance timelines vary: actions related to requirements 1 and 2 must be completed within 200 hours of service after 20 February 2003, while action related to requirement 3 must be completed before further flight, and requirement 4 must be adhered to as of 20 February 2003 (section 4).
The AD imposes obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel to inspect, potentially rebalance, and document the status of the elevator balance weight attachments in accordance with the specified instructions. Operators must ensure that the checks and inspections are conducted by qualified personnel and that any necessary actions are completed within the stipulated timeframes. Additionally, operators must ensure that all maintenance activities comply with the AD and any referenced service bulletins or maintenance manuals. These obligations are intended to mitigate the risk of elevator jamming and ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft.
Failure to comply with this AD may result in serious safety consequences, including the risk of elevator jamming during critical flight phases, which could lead to accidents. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations provide for enforcement actions against non-compliance, which may include fines and other penalties. Although specific penalties are not detailed in the AD itself, the broader Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998) outline potential sanctions for non-compliance with ADs. Such sanctions can include significant fines and other regulatory actions to enforce compliance and ensure the safety of air operations.