EASA SIB CASA-2016-03: P&W Canada PW100 engines — IFSD resulting from HPT Blade Distress

What to do

Owners, operators, and maintainers of PW100 engines should review and follow the recommendations in P&WC Service Information Letter PW100-172, including weekly engine condition monitoring, borescope inspections starting at 500 flight hours and every 100 hours thereafter, power assurance checks, and cleaning or replacing the intercompressor bleed valve servo screen every 100 flight hours in sandy or dusty environments. They should ensure these actions do not conflict with the Aircraft Flight Manual, which takes precedence. No specific compliance deadlines are stated.

Summary

The Transport Canada Civil Aviation Safety Alert CASA 2016-03 addresses in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 engines caused by high pressure turbine (HPT) blade distress due to operation in harsh environments. The alert highlights the risk of thermal fatigue and cooling air passage blockages leading to HPT blade fractures. It targets owners, operators, and maintainers of PW100 engines to raise awareness and promote preventive maintenance.

What changed

This new safety alert introduces awareness of the increased risk of HPT blade failure in PW100 engines operating in environments with airborne sand and dust. It emphasizes the need for more frequent hot section inspections and maintenance based on P&WC Service Information Letter PW100-172. The alert also provides specific monitoring and inspection recommendations to prevent IFSDs.

Why it matters

This alert is critical for aviation professionals because it identifies a specific failure mode that can cause engine shutdowns in flight, posing safety risks. Operators and maintenance teams must adjust their inspection intervals and maintenance practices to prevent premature HPT blade failure. Compliance with these recommendations helps maintain engine reliability and aircraft safety in challenging environmental conditions.