COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY
SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
Cessna 400 Series Aeroplanes
AD/CESSNA 400/109 Exhaust System Components - Inspection
1/99 TX
Applicability: Model 414A aeroplanes, serial numbers 1 through 1212 that have had an exhaust system WYE tube changed since 01 May 1998.
Requirement: 1. Establish the part number of the exhaust system WYE tube fitted to the aircraft by search of the aircraft records or by physical examination of the component.
2. Remove and replace exhaust system WYE tubes P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299- 26 with exhaust system WYE tubes P/N 9910299-8 (for P/N 9910299-25) or P/N 9910299-9 (for P/N 9910299-26) or any other WYE tube that is approved by the aircraft manufacturer.
Note: US FAA Priority Letter 98-24-14 dated 13 November 1998 refers.
Compliance: 1. Before further flight after receipt of this Airworthiness Directive.
2. Before further flight if defective components are identified.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 20 November 1998.
Background: The FAA has received reports of five instances where the engine exhaust components in the WYE tube installed on certain Cessna aircraft were manufactured without welds. These nonwelded areas lead to leaks in the exhaust system on the turbocharged engine installations on these aeroplanes. The heat from the leaks in the exhaust system have caused aluminium fuel lines located immediately behind the firewall to burst. This condition has come about due to a quality control problem at a sub contractor. Cessna has returned all existing inventory to the sub contractor, however it is known that approximately 25 WYE tubes have been distributed to the field since May 1998. This Directive issues instructions to identify and remove from service the defective components. This defect is considered to be an urgent safety of flight issue and hence the inspection must be completed before further flight.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for civil aviation in Australia. This legislation includes specific parts and schedules to address various safety concerns and operational standards. Part 39, for example, pertains to Airworthiness Directives, which are regulatory measures to ensure the safety of aircraft in operation. One such directive, AD/CESSNA 400/109, was introduced to address an urgent safety issue identified in certain Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes, specifically model 414A. This directive was enacted in response to reports of defective exhaust system WYE tubes that were manufactured without welds, leading to leaks that could cause serious damage to the aircraft and potentially compromise flight safety. The directive aims to ensure that any affected aircraft are inspected and any defective components are replaced before further flight, thereby mitigating the identified safety risk.
Scope and Application
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 concerning Airworthiness Directives, applies to the Cessna 414A aeroplanes with serial numbers between 1 and 1212, where the exhaust system WYE tube has been changed since 1 May 1998. The directive mandates the inspection and replacement of specific exhaust system WYE tubes to mitigate the risk of leaks that could lead to critical safety issues. The requirement involves establishing the part number of the exhaust system WYE tube, followed by the removal and replacement of specified components with those approved by the aircraft manufacturer. The directive underscores the urgency of compliance by stipulating that the inspection must be completed before any further flight, both after the receipt of this directive and if defective components are identified during the inspection. The directive was issued in response to reports of manufacturing defects that could compromise the safety of the aircraft, and it references a corresponding directive from the US Federal Aviation Administration. This directive extends its applicability across the Commonwealth of Australia, enforcing safety standards uniformly across all relevant aircraft within the specified parameters.
Key Provisions
The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (Cth), specifically Part 39 – 105, mandate the inspection of exhaust system components for certain Cessna 400 Series aeroplanes. Section AD/CESSNA 400/109 requires the inspection and replacement of exhaust system WYE tubes on Model 414A aeroplanes, serial numbers 1 through 1212, that have had an exhaust system WYE tube changed since 01 May 1998. The directive specifies that the part number of the exhaust system WYE tube must be established through a search of aircraft records or by physical examination of the component. It mandates the removal and replacement of specific WYE tubes (P/N 9910299-25 or P/N 9910299-26) with approved alternatives (P/N 9910299-8 or P/N 9910299-9) or any other approved by the aircraft manufacturer. The directive refers to a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Priority Letter 98-24-14 dated 13 November 1998.
Compliance with this Airworthiness Directive is mandatory. Operators must ensure that the inspection and any necessary replacements are completed before further flight. This requirement applies both initially upon receipt of the directive and if defective components are identified during the inspection process. The directive became effective on 20 November 1998, underscoring the urgency and importance of addressing the identified safety issue.
The obligations under this Act are clear and stringent. Operators of affected aircraft must verify the part number of the WYE tube in question, conduct the necessary inspections, and replace any defective components. This is to prevent potential safety hazards, such as leaks in the exhaust system that could lead to overheating and damage to the aircraft, particularly to fuel lines located behind the firewall. These obligations are designed to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of the aircraft in question.
Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) can impose penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines and other civil or criminal penalties. The exact penalties can vary, but they are intended to enforce compliance with safety regulations. Non-compliance not only risks the safety of the flight but also the legal and financial repercussions for the operators involved.