EASA SIB 2008-05: Dowty Propeller Electronic Controller (PEC) P/N 699018002 - Identification and Removal from Service

What to do

Operators must identify if their aircraft have Dowty PEC units with the listed serial numbers. If two affected units are installed, one must be removed within 7 days of 18 January 2008, and all must be removed within 1200 flight hours or 6 months from that date, whichever occurs first. Removed units must not be reinstalled until repaired per Dowty Propellers Alert Service Bulletin D8400-61-A77, and replacements must be serviceable units installed following the Aircraft Maintenance Manual.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Notice No. 2008-05 is an advisory document concerning the Dowty Propeller Electronic Controller (PEC) Part Number 699018002, specifically those installed on Dowty R408 propellers used in Bombardier DHC-8 Series 400 aircraft. The notice references the UK CAA Emergency Airworthiness Directive G-2008-0003 which addresses identification and removal from service of certain PEC units due to manufacturing defects. This document informs aviation stakeholders about the safety issue and the necessary removal actions but does not itself mandate compliance.

What changed

This Safety Information Notice introduces awareness of a manufacturing defect affecting specific serial numbers of the Dowty PEC units, which can cause uncommanded propeller speed changes or loss of autofeather function. It references the UK CAA Emergency AD G-2008-0003 that mandates removal of affected units from service. The notice clarifies that EASA does not issue an AD because the issue is not related to design approval but highlights the safety concern and recommends action.

Why it matters

This notice is critical for operators and maintenance organizations of Bombardier DHC-8 Series 400 aircraft equipped with Dowty R408 propellers, as the defective PEC units pose a serious safety risk. Uncommanded propeller speed changes or loss of autofeather could compromise flight safety. Compliance teams must be aware of the UK CAA AD requirements to ensure affected units are removed and replaced promptly to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance.