EASA AD 2024-0172-E
Engine — Piston — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0172-E is an emergency directive addressing piston engines E4 and E4P manufactured by Austro Engine GmbH and Wuhu Diamond Aeroengine Co. Ltd., commonly installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries models DA 40 NG, DA 42 NG, DA 42 M-NG, and DA 62. The directive mandates repetitive borescope inspections and replacement of affected pistons with part number E4A-72-400-000 due to reported piston cracks that could lead to engine failure.
What Changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of affected pistons and requires replacement if cracks are found. It also requires reporting inspection results to Austro Engine and allows a single ferry flight to a maintenance location for initial inspection. No previous AD is superseded by this directive.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential engine failures caused by cracked pistons, which could compromise aircraft control and safety, especially in single-engine aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid emergency landings or accidents. The directive also impacts maintenance scheduling due to the required repetitive inspections and reporting obligations.
What To Do
Operators of affected E4 and E4P engines must perform initial and repetitive borescope inspections of the specified pistons within the compliance times detailed in the directive, replacing any cracked parts before the next flight. Inspection results must be reported to Austro Engine within 30 days. A single ferry flight without passengers is permitted to reach a maintenance facility for the initial inspection if necessary.