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INFORMATION: Response to NTSB Safety Recommendation A-85-77 and Interim Reply to NTSB Safety Recommendation A-85-78 |
DEC 5 1985 |
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Director, ACE-1 |
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Director, Office of Aviation Safety, ASF-1 |
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NTSB Safety Recommendation A-85-77 |
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Issue an Airworthiness Directive requiring the installation of individual fuel line drain valves in Piper Apache Model PA-23-150, PA-23-160, and PA-23-235 airplanes. |
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FAA Comment: |
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We have reviewed the design of the PA-23 series fuel system and find that it complies with the requirements of the appropriate certification basis, specifically CAR 3, Subpart 3.444 and 3.553, and is safe when maintained and operated properly. The PA-23-235 does have the individual line drain valves as provided in the PA-24 series airplanes. |
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The PA-23 Series fuel system drain design is similar to many general aviation airplanes with four fuel tanks. It is quite common to require manipulation of the fuel selector valve to drain each specific tank. While we recognize that some operators may be more apt to drain all four lines with individual line valves, we do not find that the present design, draining after properly positioning the fuel tank selector valve, constitutes the unsafe condition necessary to support Airworthiness Directive action. The FAA does believe, however, that additional instructions should be given to ensure the detection of the presence of water during preflight (see intended action under A-85-78). |
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A-85-78: Require the Piper Aircraft Corporation to publish the service and operating information fully describing preflight sampling procedures applicable to Piper Apache Model PA-23-150, PA-23-160, and PA-23-235 airplanes, including in the case of airplanes fitted with optional auxiliary fuel cells, specific procedures which take into consideration the difference in drainage time required for lines for the auxiliary fuel cells. |
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FAA Comment: |
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We concur with the recommendation and have requested that Piper issue appropriate preflight inspection instructions in the form of a Service Information Bulletin/Letter to all registered PA-23-150, PA-23-160, and PA-23-235 owners. The service instructions will be issued by the end of January 1986. |
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We will report on the progress of this recommendation by February 19, 1986. |
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Original signed by |
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Edwin S. Harris |
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cc: |
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ACE-140A:Gcarter:clb:11/20/85:WP:Text-A-85-77:Disk-Lorraine |
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Form 1360-14 (6-81) |
OFFICIAL FILE COPY |
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