49
Regarding Safety Recommendation A-95-81, on August 25, 1995, the
FAA issued a telegraphic AD (T95-18-51) requiring that certain blades installed
on EMB-120 aircraft that had ultrasonic crack indications discovered as a result of
inspections required by AD 94-09-06 or AD 95-05-03, been reworked, and had
been returned to service, be removed from service within the next 10 flight cycles
and be replaced with serviceable parts. The telegraphic AD also required that
propeller blades installed on aircraft other than the EMB-120 meeting the same
criteria (ultrasonic crack indications reworked and blade returned to service) be
inspected ultrasonically for cracks within the next 10 flight hours and every 1,250
cycles thereafter. Any blades removed from service as a result of the AD could
not be returned to service. On January 16, 1996, the Safety Board classified
Safety Recommendation A-95-81 “Closed--Acceptable Alternate Action.”
Regarding A-95-82, on July 24, 1996, the FAA informed the Safety
Board that it conducted the requested vibration and loads survey. The FAA
reported that the survey substantiated the results of past stress surveys indicating
that no new high stress conditions were uncovered, and that it did not show that
further evaluations were needed on other installations. However, to limit propeller
exposure to known high vibratory stresses during ground operation, on December
27, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-25-11, which requires installation of a placard
reading “Avoid Np Above 60% During Ground Operations,” and also requires
revising the EMB-120 Airplane Flight Manual and maintenance program to limit
the rotational speed of the propeller during ground operation. In its Final Rule,
published in the Federal Register, the FAA stated that the AD is considered “an
interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider
further rulemaking.” Based on the FAA’s interim actions and the statement
contained in its announcement of the Final Rule, on November 15, 1996, the
Safety Board classified Safety Recommendation A-95-82 “Open--Acceptable
Response.”
Regarding A-95-83, on July 24, 1996, the FAA informed the Safety
Board that its review of the overhaul and inspection requirements for all Hamilton
Standard 14RF, 14SF and 6/5500/F blade designs for which the taper bore hole
has been shotpeened showed that additional action should be taken. On April 24,
1996, it issued AD 96-08-02, requiring repetitive ultrasonic inspection of the
blades until they are repaired and restored to their certificated strength. The repair
of EMB-120 blades was required to be accomplished by August 1996, and all
other blades will be repaired by February 1997. Since the actions of the FAA are