AD 97-15-11

Airworthiness directive · Cylinder kits · Lycoming Engines AEIO-320-D1B, AEIO-320-D2B, AEIO-320-E1A and 538 more

Effective
August 12, 1997
Published
July 28, 1997 · 62 FR 40262–40264
Supersedes
AD97-01-03
Models
AEIO-320-D1B, AEIO-320-D2B, AEIO-320-E1A, AEIO-320-E1B, AEIO-320-E2A, AEIO-320-E2B and 535 more
Registered aircraft
82,322 matched by model
Product
Engine
Amendment
39-10085
Docket
97-ANE-26-AD
Issued as
Final rule; request for comments

Unofficial copy of the text in the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System. Only the govinfo PDF is the legal edition. DRS record last changed May 30, 2024.

On this page

Summary

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Avco Lycoming and Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines, that currently requires removal from service of defective piston pins, and replacement with serviceable parts. This amendment adds additional affected engine models that may have defective piston pins installed, and references a revised service bulletin. This amendment is prompted by the determination that additional engine models may have defective piston pins installed. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent piston pin failure, which could result in engine failure.

The airworthiness directive

97-15-11 Avco Lycoming and Textron Lycoming: Amendment 39-10085. Docket 97-ANE-26-AD. Supersedes AD 97-01-03, Amendment 39-9874.

Applicability: Avco Lycoming and Textron Lycoming O-320, IO-320, LIO-320, AIO-320, AEIO-320, O-360, LO-360, IO-360, LIO-360, VO-360, IVO-360, HO-360, HIO-360, LHIO-360, AIO-360, AEIO-360, TIO-360, TO-360, LTO-360, LTIO-360, O-480, GO-480, IGO-480, GSO-480, IGSO-480, O-540 (except O-540-J1A5D, -J1C5D, -J2A5D, -J3A5D, -J3C5D, -L3C5D), IO-540 (except IO-540-W1A5D, -W3A5D, -AB1A5), AEIO-540, TIO-540, LTIO-540, VO-540, IVO-540, TVO-540, TIVO-540, HIO-540, IGO-540, IGSO-540, TIO-541, TIGO-541, and IO-720 series reciprocating engines, that meet any one of the following conditions:

1. Engines with serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) No. 527C, dated April 18, 1997; or

2. Engines that had Textron Lycoming cylinder kits installed after December 15, 1995; or

3. Engines that have been overhauled, orhad cylinder head maintenance performed, by a repair facility other than Textron Lycoming after December 15, 1995.

These engines are installed on but not limited to reciprocating engine powered aircraft manufactured by Aerospatiale, Bellanca, Cessna, The New Piper Company, Beech, Schweizer, Maule, and Mooney.

Note 1: A maintenance records check may allow an owner or operator to determine if this AD applies.

Note 2: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent piston pin failure, which could result in engine failure, accomplish the following:

(a) No action is required for engines that have been inspected in accordance with AD 97-01-03.

(b) For engines that have not been inspected in accordance with AD 97-01-03, and with S/Ns listed in Textron Lycoming Mandatory SB No. 527C, dated April 18, 1997, accomplish the following:

(1) Check the piston pin code in accordance with Textron Lycoming SB No. 527C, dated April 18, 1997, in accordance with the following schedule:

(i) For engines with 45 hours or more time in service (TIS) since the engine was shipped from Textron Lycoming, since overhaul, since installation of a cylinder kit, or since installation ofa replacement piston pin, as applicable, accomplish within 5 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD.

(ii) For engines with less than 45 hours TIS since the engine was shipped from Textron Lycoming, since overhaul, since installation of a cylinder kit, or since installation of a replacement piston pin, as applicable, accomplish prior to accumulating 50 hours TIS since the applicable date.

(2) Remove from service piston pins, Part Number (P/N) LW-14077, code 17328, and replace with serviceable piston pins.

(c) For all other affected engines that have not been inspected in accordance with AD 97-01-03, determine if a suspect piston pin, P/N LW-14077, code 17328 could have been installed, in accordance with Textron Lycoming Mandatory SB No. 527C, dated April 18, 1997, and accomplish the following:

(1) If it is determined that suspect piston pins, P/N LW-14077, code 17328 could have been installed, accomplish paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.

(2) If it is determined that suspect piston pins, P/N LW-14077, code 17328 could not have been installed, no further action is required.

(3) If it can not be determined if the suspect piston pins, P/N LW-14077, code 17328 were installed, accomplish paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.

(d) For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable piston pin is a piston pin, P/N LW-14077, with a piston pin code of "BN" or "71238." Installation of a piston pin, P/N LW-14077, with a piston pin code of "17328" is prohibited after the effective date of this AD.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence ofapproved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the New York Aircraft Certification Office.

(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(g) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following Textron Lycoming Mandatory SB:

Document No. Pages Date 527C 1-4 April 18, 1997 Attachment I 1-6 April 18, 1997 Attachment II 1 April 18, 1997 Total pages: 11.

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Textron Lycoming, 652 Oliver St., Williamsport, PA 17701; telephone (717) 327-7278, fax (717) 327-7022. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, NewEngland Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on August 12, 1997.

Rule preamble

The FAA’s background, reasoning and cost estimate, published with the AD.

Supplementary information

On December 26, 1996, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued airworthiness directive (AD) 97-01-03, Amendment 39-9874 (62 FR 307, January 3, 1997), to require removal from service of defective piston pins, and replacement with serviceable parts. That action was prompted by a report that a quantity of piston pins, marked with code 17328, were produced that did not meet manufacturing specifications. That condition, if not corrected, could result in piston pin failure, which could result in engine failure.

On February 5, 1997, the FAA issued a correction to AD 97-01-03 (62 FR 7671, February 20, 1997) that renumbered a misdesignated paragraph.

Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received a report from the manufacturer that additional engine models may have had defective piston pins installed.

The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Textron Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin (SB) No. 527C, dated April 18, 1997, that adds additional affected engine models and lists serial numbers (S/Ns) of additional engines manufactured, remanufactured, or overhauled by Textron Lycoming during the time period that defective piston pins could have been installed, and describes procedures for removal from service of defective piston pins, and replacement with serviceable parts.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other engines of this same type design, this AD supersedes AD 97-01-03 to require removal from service of defective piston pins, and replacement with serviceable parts. This AD adds additional affected engine models that may have defective piston pins installed, and references a revised service bulletin. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the Mandatory SB described previously.

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 97-ANE-26-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levelsof government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-9874, (62 FR 307, January 3, 1997), corrected (62 FR 7671, February 20, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-10085, to read as follows:

Affected TCDS · 21

The type certificate data sheets for the models this AD names, matched by model and maker.

See all 21 data sheets

Registered aircraft · 82,322

Registered aircraft whose airframe or engine model this AD names. Matched by model only, so check each against the AD’s applicability.

By aircraft maker
  • Piper32,568 aircraft
  • Cessna18,476 aircraft
  • Mooney3,872 aircraft
  • Robinson Helicopter2,538 aircraft
  • Beech2,088 aircraft
  • Other makers9,30022,780 aircraft
By year built
19102026
Registered aircraft by year built: 72,858 aircraft
19101
19241
19291
19302
19312
19321
19361
19371
19381
19392
19408
194116
19423
194315
19442
19457
1946149
1947120
194864
194923
195057
195162
195268
195393
1954141
1955443
1956532
1957580
1958710
1959870
1960693
1961624
1962768
19631,004
19641,403
19651,727
19662,270
19672,300
19682,777
19692,265
19701,097
19711,350
19721,795
19732,351
19742,668
19752,618
19763,262
19773,000
19783,532
19792,865
19801,366
19811,294
1982621
1983401
1984435
1985380
1986209
1987193
1988220
1989345
1990297
1991340
1992331
1993372
1994347
1995390
1996439
1997568
1998955
19991,108
20001,120
2001979
2002896
20031,030
20041,127
20051,225
20061,050
2007903
2008887
2009511
2010426
2011422
2012497
2013435
2014470
2015401
2016389
2017392
2018449
2019526
2020484
2021487
2022518
2023634
2024631
2025611
2026402

9,464 with no year recorded

By model

See all 338 models

Aircraft

See all 82,322 aircraft