EASA AD US-2020-25-12
Reciprocating Engine - Crankshaft Assembly - Removal
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2020-25-12 is a final rule addressing safety concerns for all Superior Air Parts, Inc. Model IO-360-series and O-360-series reciprocating engines, as well as certain Lycoming Model AEIO-360-, IO-360-, and O-360-series reciprocating engines equipped with a specific SAP crankshaft assembly. This directive responds to multiple crankshaft assembly failures that caused engine power loss and emergency landings. It mandates the removal of the affected crankshaft assemblies to prevent further incidents.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires the removal from service of all affected SAP crankshaft assemblies installed on specified Superior Air Parts and Lycoming engines. It introduces mandatory corrective action due to identified manufacturing defects leading to premature fatigue cracking in the crankshaft assemblies. The directive is a new regulation rather than an amendment.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a significant safety risk that can lead to engine failure and in-flight shutdown. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid potential accidents and maintain airworthiness. Compliance helps prevent emergency landings caused by crankshaft failures, thereby enhancing flight safety and reliability.
What To Do
Affected operators must remove all specified SAP crankshaft assemblies from service by January 15, 2021. Maintenance and compliance teams should review engine serial numbers and part installations to identify affected components. Immediate action is required to replace or repair engines with the defective crankshaft assemblies to comply with the directive and maintain safe operation.
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