Engine — Pistons — Oil Analysis / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2022-0240R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must perform initial and repetitive oil analyses within specified flight hour intervals according to engine group classification and the MSB instructions. If aluminium content exceeds limits, immediate replacement of pistons, piston rings, con-rods, and crankcase or the entire engine core is required before next flight. Replacement of parts is mandatory within defined flight hour limits for Group 3 and 4 engines, and scheduled overhaul acts as terminating action for Groups 1 and 2 engines.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0163 is an airworthiness directive addressing piston failures in Austro Engine GmbH E4 and E4P engines installed on aircraft such as Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 40 NG, DA 42 NG, DA 42 M-NG, and DA 62. The directive mandates oil analysis and replacement of pistons and related engine parts to prevent piston failure that could lead to engine power loss and potential safety risks. It applies to engines with serial numbers listed in the updated Mandatory Service Bulletin MSB-E4-039 Revision 2.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0163 supersedes the previous AD 2022-0240R1 and updates the applicability by revising the list of affected engine serial numbers based on the latest Mandatory Service Bulletin Revision 2. It retains the requirements for repetitive oil analyses and corrective actions but clarifies compliance intervals and replacement schedules for different engine groups. The directive also allows release to service after subsequent oil analyses under specified conditions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known unsafe condition involving piston dimensional deviations that can cause engine failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent in-flight engine power loss, which is especially crucial for single-engine aircraft. Compliance ensures safety, regulatory adherence, and helps avoid costly emergency landings or accidents.
More for Austro Engine Gmbh E4
All 14- EASA AD 2024-0172-EEngine — Piston — Inspection / ReplacementAug 28, 2024
- EASA AD 2024-0037R1Engine — Main Bearing / Studs — ReplacementFeb 6, 2024
- EASA AD 2022-0240R1Engine – Pistons – Oil Analysis / ReplacementDec 15, 2022
- EASA AD 2021-0274-EEngine — High Pressure Pump Driving Gear — Inspection / ReplacementDec 9, 2021
- EASA AD 2021-0203R1Engine – High Pressure Pump Driving Gear – Inspection / ReplacementSep 24, 2021
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