EASA AD 2024-0236
Engine — Engine Coolant Contamination — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0236 is an airworthiness directive addressing engine coolant contamination in Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH TAE 125-02-125 engines, commonly installed on Tecnam P2010 series aeroplanes. The directive mandates a one-time inspection of engine coolant to detect contamination that could cause cylinder head cracks and potential engine failure. It also regulates the installation of cylinder heads based on inspection results.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory one-time inspections of engine coolant for contamination, specifically targeting cylinder heads with certain part numbers. It requires corrective actions such as cylinder head replacement or coolant system flushing depending on the contamination levels found. The directive also restricts installation to only serviceable cylinder heads as defined within the document.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving engine coolant contamination that can lead to engine overheating, failure, or seizure. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent uncommanded in-flight engine shutdowns, which could cause forced landings and potential injuries. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence for affected engines and aircraft.
What To Do
Operators of TAE 125-02-125 engines must perform a one-time engine coolant inspection within specified flight hour limits after the directive's effective date of 17 December 2024. If contamination exceeds limits, they must replace affected cylinder heads or flush and refill the coolant system before further flight. Only serviceable cylinder heads may be installed on engines from the effective date onward.