Saib Ace-99-35
Saib Ace-99-35
Saib Ace-99-35
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
No. ACE-99-35
September 15, 1999
Introduction:
A recent propeller repair station audit has revealed that certain blade face
alignment, chordwise and thickness inspections were not properly accomplished in
accordance with the manufacturer’s propeller overhaul manual procedures. This
discovery has prompted an investigation to gather data so that it can be
determined whether an airworthiness directive is required. There have been no
reports of propeller failures; however, a propeller blade failure can result in
the loss of aircraft control. This is considered a significant safety issue and
all owners/operators are requested to report any problems with propellers that
were overhauled by Santa Monica Propeller Service, Inc. between the dates
January 1997 to March 1999. Santa Monica Propeller Service, Inc. is located at
3135 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, California 90405; Telephone (310)
390-6233, (800) 421-9995, Facsimile (310) 398-3471. This Special Airworthiness
Information Bulletin (SAIB) is applicable to owners/operators of all Hartzell
and McCauley Propeller models that have had their respective propellers
overhauled by Santa Monica Propeller Service, Inc during this time period.
Please review the attached compiled listing of identified propeller models and
serial numbers to determine if this SAIB is applicable. This is not an
exhaustive list as there may be other propellers that were overhauled by Santa
Monica Propeller Service, Inc. not listed in this SAIB.
Background:
The FAA recently conducted a routine quality evaluation on Santa Monica
Propeller Service, Inc., reviewed repair station records, and shop procedures.
During the evaluation it was found that certain required inspections were not
being performed in accordance with Hartzell Propeller, Inc. and McCauley
Propeller Systems, Inc. overhaul manuals. This included propeller blade face
alignment, blade chord, and blade thickness checks. The FAA has determined these
checks are required and if not performed may result in a blade configuration not
in conformance with the FAA Approved type design. A blade non-conformanty may
result in the reduction of service life for the propeller or affect the
propeller’s continued airworthiness. To date, there have been no reported
propeller failures or Service Difficulty Reports (SDR's). However, the FAA
determined that owners and operators of these propeller models overhauled by
this propeller overhaul shop during the last two years must be notified of this
potential safety problem.
Recommendation:
The FAA requests that owners and operators of affected Hartzell, and McCauley
Propeller models review their propeller maintenance records and determine if the
propeller is affected by this SAIB. It is recommended that all owners/operators
check their aircraft and propeller log books for any record of propeller
maintenance accomplished by Santa Monica Propeller within the last two years. If
any maintenance record shows that work was performed by Santa Monica Propeller,
Inc. within the last two years, then the records should be checked further to
verify that the propeller blades were properly overhauled in accordance with all
Hartzell Propeller, Inc., or McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc. overhaul
procedures/requirements. It is also recommended that affected propellers be
returned to Santa Monica Propeller to have these inspections accomplished.
NOTE: Contact Hartzell Propeller, Inc. or McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc. for
additional information concerning face alignment, blade thickness and chord
minimum measurement requirements.
Please send any reports of service difficulties or blade
non-conformities/failures to the Chicago Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) for
Hartzell and McCauley Propeller models related to this SAIB. Also, please
document your service experience and report it to Hartzell, or McCauley Product
Support Departments as applicable, so that any other problems can be addressed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
FAA, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, Propulsion Branch, ACE-118C, 2300
East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; Mr. Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer;
Telephone (847) 294-7132; Facsimile (847) 294-7834
Hartzell Product Support; Telephone (937) 778-4379; Facsimile (937) 778-4321
McCauley Product Support; Telephone (937) 890-5246; Facsimile (937) 890-6001