AD/BEECH 400/3 - Electrical Wiring - Left-Hand Interstage Turbine Temperature Circuit Breaker

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Legislation au F2006B03930 In force Legislative Instrument

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COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY

SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

 


Beechcraft 400 Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/BEECH 400/3 Electrical Wiring - Left-Hand Interstage

Turbine Temperature Circuit Breaker


5/93

 

Applicability: Model 400A airplanes, with serial numbers RK-2 through RK-29 inclusive, RK-31 and RK-32.

 

Requirement: Unless previously carried out, action in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No 2458 (ATA Code 39-10) dated August 1992.

 

Note: FAA AD 93-02-12 Amdt 39-8495 refers.

 

Compliance: Within 100 hours time-in-service after 29 April 1993.

 

Background:  The issue of this Directive is prompted by a recent report that, apparently during production, one of two bus wires was inadvertently connected to the incorrect side of a circuit breaker, leaving the circuit unprotected by the breaker. The action required by this Directive is intended to prevent the loss of standby power and the possibility of an electrical fire.

 

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) established the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which encompass Part 39 concerning Airworthiness Directives, to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating in Australian airspace. This regulatory framework was enacted to address issues related to aircraft safety and to ensure compliance with international standards. One such directive, AD/BEECH 400/3, pertains specifically to the Beechcraft 400 Series Aeroplanes, aiming to rectify a manufacturing defect that could potentially lead to electrical failures and fires. This directive mandates corrective actions as outlined in Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No 2458, requiring compliance within 100 hours of time-in-service following the directive's issuance on 29 April 1993. The directive aims to safeguard against the risks associated with improper wiring that could compromise the integrity of the left-hand interstage turbine temperature circuit breaker. The enactment of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 by the Australian Parliament reflects a commitment to maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation, addressing specific gaps in aircraft maintenance and operational safety through targeted directives. AD/BEECH 400/3 exemplifies the regulatory approach taken to mitigate risks identified in the Beechcraft 400 Series Aeroplanes, ensuring that potential hazards are promptly addressed to prevent in-flight incidents. The policy objective is to enhance the overall safety of air travel by mandating specific corrective measures to rectify identified safety deficiencies in aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically targets Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes, including model 400A airplanes with serial numbers RK-2 through RK-29 inclusive, RK-31, and RK-32. This regulation mandates that these aircraft must comply with the action outlined in Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No 2458 (ATA Code 39-10) dated August 1992 unless such action has already been performed. The directive aims to rectify an issue where, during production, one of the bus wires was connected to the wrong side of a circuit breaker, leaving it unprotected and potentially leading to loss of standby power and the risk of an electrical fire. Compliance with this directive is required within 100 hours of time-in-service after 29 April 1993. This regulation applies across the Commonwealth of Australia and is enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, mandate specific actions for the maintenance and operation of Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes. Section AD/BEECH 400/3 focuses on the left-hand interstage turbine temperature circuit breaker of Model 400A aeroplanes with serial numbers RK-2 through RK-29 inclusive, RK-31, and RK-32. According to the directive, these aircraft must undergo specific maintenance unless such action has already been taken (Section AD/BEECH 400/3). The required maintenance involves following the Accomplishment Instructions detailed in Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No 2458 (ATA Code 39-10) dated August 1992, which correlates with FAA AD 93-02-12 Amdt 39-8495. This directive imposes obligations on the operators of the specified Beechcraft 400 Series aeroplanes to ensure compliance with the mandated maintenance procedures. Operators must verify that the maintenance instructions from the Beechcraft Mandatory Service Bulletin No 2458 are correctly and thoroughly implemented within the stipulated timeframe. Failure to adhere to these requirements can lead to significant safety risks, including the potential for an electrical fire due to unprotected circuits. It is critical that operators conduct the required checks and maintenance actions within 100 hours of time-in-service after 29 April 1993, as outlined in the directive. Failure to comply with the directives established in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in serious consequences. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the provided text, non-compliance with airworthiness directives typically carries significant regulatory and legal repercussions. These can include enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, potential grounding of the aircraft, and severe financial penalties. In cases where non-compliance leads to safety incidents or accidents, the consequences can be even more severe, potentially involving both civil and criminal liability for the operators.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.