AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/SWSA226/88 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CASR 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.
Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SWSA226/88
Amdt 1
Fuel Boost Pump Wiring 4/2004
Applicability: All Model SA226 and SA227 aeroplanes.
Requirement: 1. If not previously accomplished in accordance with CASA Letter F92/0725, dated 1 October 2000, or CAA(NZ) Emergency Airworthiness Directive DCA/SA226/42 remove each fuel boost pump and inspect the wiring for any sign of exposed wires, chafing or electrical arcing.
2. If any exposed wire, chaffing or arcing is evident repair or replace the wiring in accordance with either the airframe manufacturer’s instructions or an approved repair scheme.
Note 1: Before removal of the boost pumps it is necessary to defuel the tank. For the initial inspection, fuel boost pumps should not be used to transfer the fuel out of the tank to be inspected.
Note 2: Following each inspection reinstall the boost pumps in accordance with the airframe manufacturer’s maintenance manual ensuring that adequate clearance exists between the boost pump wiring and the fuel check valves.
3. Forward the results from the initial inspection, both positive or negative, to CASA as follows:
By Mail Section Head - Systems Certification Standards Branch Civil Aviation Safety Authority GPO Box 2005
CANBERRA ACT 2601
By Facsimile (02) 6217 1914
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Within three days from the effective date of this Directive and thereafter on any occasion a fuel boost pump is removed until the boost pump wiring is protected in accordance with AD/SWSA 226/94.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight.
Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 Series Aeroplanes
AD/SWSA226/88 Amdt 1 (continued)
For Requirement 3 - Within seven days after the effective date of the original issue of this Directive.
This Amendment becomes effective on 15 April 2004.
Background: The CAA(NZ) has advised that six SA227-AC aeroplanes have been inspected and found to have evidence of chafing to either the inboard or outboard fuel boost pump wiring. In one case evidence of electrical arcing was found on the fuel check valve located immediately above the pump. Subsequent to this advice three Australian aeroplanes have been found to have chafed fuel boost pump wiring.
The original issue of this Directive required initial and repetitive inspections of the fuel boost pump wiring to detect chafing and, if necessary, repair or replacement of any damaged wiring. These actions were intended to prevent possible electrical arcing in the fuel tank and possible fire/explosion in the fuel tank.
This amendment introduces a terminating action to the repetitive inspection requirements.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 11 September 2000.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 5 March 2004
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 24 March 2004.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued Airworthiness Directive AD/SWSA226/88 Amendment 1 in 2004 under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 to address an identified safety issue with the fuel boost pump wiring in Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes. This directive revokes the previous AD/SWSA226/88 and aims to correct the unsafe condition of exposed wires, chafing, or electrical arcing in the fuel boost pump wiring, which could potentially lead to fire or explosion in the fuel tank. The policy objective is to ensure the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by mandating specific actions such as inspecting and repairing or replacing damaged wiring, and reporting the results to CASA. This directive became effective on 15 April 2004.
Scope and Application
This Airworthiness Directive applies to all Model SA226 and SA227 aeroplanes, which fall under the regulatory purview of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) within the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) and requires specific actions to be taken concerning the fuel boost pump wiring of these aircraft to ensure airworthiness. The directive mandates that the wiring of fuel boost pumps be inspected for signs of exposed wires, chafing, or electrical arcing and, if any such issues are identified, the wiring must be repaired or replaced in line with either the airframe manufacturer’s instructions or an approved repair scheme. Additionally, the results of the initial inspection must be reported to CASA within seven days of the directive's effective date. The compliance period for these requirements varies, with inspections needing to be completed within three days from the directive's effective date and further flights only permitted after the wiring has been repaired or replaced. This directive aims to mitigate the risk of electrical arcing in the fuel tank, which could lead to fire or explosion.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/SWSA226/88 Amdt 1 pertains to all Fairchild (Swearingen) SA226 and SA227 series aeroplanes and contains several requirements aimed at ensuring the safety of the aircraft. Section 1 mandates that if the fuel boost pump wiring has not previously been inspected in accordance with specific CASA or CAA(NZ) directives, it must be removed and inspected for exposed wires, chafing, or electrical arcing. If any such issues are identified, the wiring must be repaired or replaced following either the airframe manufacturer's instructions or an approved repair scheme. This inspection must be conducted before any fuel boost pump is removed and should not involve using the pumps to transfer fuel from the tank. Additionally, the pumps must be reinstalled with adequate clearance between the wiring and the fuel check valves, as per the manufacturer's maintenance manual. Section 3 requires the results of the initial inspection to be communicated to CASA within seven days of the directive's effective date.
The AD imposes several obligations on the parties governed by it. Firstly, operators must ensure that the fuel boost pump wiring is inspected as specified, with particular attention to preventing chafing and electrical arcing. They must also report the results of the inspection to CASA within the stipulated timeframe. Moreover, any repairs or replacements of the wiring must adhere to the manufacturer's instructions or an approved repair scheme. The AD further requires that all actions be completed within the specified compliance periods, ensuring that the safety measures are implemented promptly.
Breach of the requirements set out in this AD can lead to significant consequences. The AD does not explicitly outline penalties for non-compliance, but failure to adhere to ADs can result in the aircraft being considered unairworthy. This could lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, legal proceedings, and potentially grounding the aircraft until the required actions are completed. Additionally, non-compliance may result in increased risk of electrical arcing and potential fire or explosion in the fuel tank, posing serious safety hazards. Therefore, it is imperative that all requirements are strictly followed to avoid these severe outcomes.