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Fri, Aug 16 2002

Massive Lycoming Recall/Emergency AD

ANN has learned that a massive recall of Lycoming crankshafts will idle
nearly a thousand airplanes right away. An FAA Emergency AD Notice is also
expected momentarily. The FAA claims that "a variation in the heat

process used during production of the crankshafts appears to be the cause

the metallurgical deficiency that may have led to crankshaft failure."
Lycoming has already issued Service Bulletin SB 552, which applies "only

TIO and LTIO-540 engines rated at 300 horsepower or higher," manufactured
between 1999 and 2002. Worse; engines with replacement crankshafts

under AD 2002-04-51, issued just last February, may also be affected.
The majority of the costs of the recall will reportedly be borne by

who promises that "When Lycoming receives a SB-552 affected engine, it

be disassembled, inspected and scheduled for reassembly that includes a

crankshaft, new bearings, all consumables and replacement of any internal
part that does not meet Lycoming’s standards. Lycoming has set up a

assembly line that will run three shifts, seven days a week. Engines will

returned to service meeting all technical and quality criteria of the Type
Certificate."
This action reportedly affects, most of all, a number of Piper Navajos,
Malibu Mirages, Piper Saratogas, and Cessna Turbo Stationaires. The
forthcoming Emergency AD is intended to prevent crankshaft failure and
subsequent catastrophic engine failure and was instigated by a fatal

Mirage accident in Michigan, earlier this month.
Unfortunately; estimates indicate that it could take up to eight months

Lycomng to build the necessary crankshafts... with priority given to

with special needs.
Lycoming will prioritize the repair of engines as follows:


1.
Federal, State and Municipal facilities, especially those involved in
Homeland Security;

2.
FAR Part 121 operators (scheduled carriers);

3.
FAR Part 135 operators (commuter and on-demand operations);

4.
FAR Part 91 operators (flight training and general operations).
Owners of all affected aircraft are required to replace affected

prior to further flight and are instructed to contact Lycoming at
570/323-6181 for additional info. Those requiring ferry permits to move

aircraft to facilities appropriate to the removal and eventual

of these affected crankshafts, will need to contact FAA for the required
permit needed to operate these aircraft legally in light of the Emergency