EASA AD 2017-0254
Engine Exhaust — Exhaust Pipes — Modification / Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0254 is issued for Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH DA 42 and DA 42 M aeroplanes equipped with TAE 125-02-99 or TAE 125-02-114 engines. The directive addresses issues related to engine exhaust pipes, specifically the risk of cracks and fractures in exhaust pipes and brackets that can lead to uncommanded engine in-flight shutdowns. It mandates modifications and inspections to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
EASA AD 2017-0254 supersedes AD 2017-0120 and removes the option to install modified exhaust pipes without directly attached heat shields. It introduces mandatory installation and inspection of additional exhaust pipe brackets according to updated service instructions and requires repetitive inspections of affected and modified exhaust pipes and brackets. The AD also clarifies that modified exhaust pipes without heat shields are interim solutions and not permanent replacements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent engine failures caused by exhaust pipe fractures, which can result in forced landings and potential injuries. Compliance ensures the structural integrity of exhaust components and reduces the risk of uncommanded engine shutdowns. It also affects maintenance planning by requiring new inspection intervals and installation procedures.
What To Do
Operators must install additional exhaust pipe brackets on affected DA 42 and DA 42 M aeroplanes within specified flight hour limits, inspect these brackets and exhaust pipes at defined intervals, and follow updated Diamond Aircraft Industries service instructions. Inspections must be performed within 10 flight hours or before exceeding certain flight hour thresholds depending on the aircraft's usage history. Compliance deadlines vary by accumulated flight hours but the effective date for required actions is 2018-01-04.
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