EASA AD 2026-0178-E
Engine – Turbocharger Valve Housing – Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0178-E is an emergency directive addressing the replacement of turbocharger valve housings on BRP-ROTAX GmbH & Co KG Rotax 915i and 916i series engines. These engines are commonly installed on various general aviation airplanes and powered sailplanes. The directive targets valve housings with part number 956492 that may have manufacturing defects leading to cracks and oil leakage.
What Changed
This new emergency directive requires the immediate replacement of affected turbocharger valve housings due to identified cracks caused by insufficient material thickness from a non-conforming manufacturing process. It introduces mandatory reidentification of turbochargers after replacement and prohibits installation of turbochargers with affected parts from the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the defective valve housings can cause oil leaks, smoke, or engine compartment fires, potentially leading to in-flight engine shutdowns and loss of aircraft control. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness.
What To Do
Operators of affected Rotax 915i and 916i series engines must replace the affected valve housing parts before the next flight after 16 September 2026, following the instructions in BRP-Rotax Alert Service Bulletin ASB-2026-002 Revision 01. Turbochargers must be reidentified with an engraved “C” after replacement, and no turbochargers with affected parts may be installed from the effective date onward.
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