# Continental IO-550-A - Type: Engine model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 17207 - Manufacturer (registry): CONT MOTOR - Model: IO-550-A - Engine type: Reciprocating - Power: 300 hp - Data sheet: [TCDS E3SO](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/E3SO) (OpenAirDocs) - Holder: Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. - Installed in: 3 registered aircraft - Page: https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-a Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs) Matched to this engine model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. - [AD 2023-17-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-17-04): Reciprocating Engine Oil System · F & M Enterprises' Model C6LC, C6LC-S or C6LC-L oil filter… (Stratus Tool Technologies STC SE09356SC or 2 others). Effective Oct 26, 2023 - [AD 2023-05-16](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-05-16): Reciprocating Engine Power Section · Continental Aerospace Technologies GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-H and 147 more. Effective Mar 15, 2023 - [AD 2023-02-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-02-12): Engine Air Intake System · Continental Aerospace Technologies GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-E and 127 more. Effective Feb 17, 2023 - [AD 2016-16-12](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2016-16-12): Cylinder assemblies · Continental Motors LTSIO-520-AE, TSIO-520-A, TSIO-520-AE and 89 more. Effective Sep 15, 2016 - [AD 2014-05-29](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2014-05-29): SAP replacement parts manufacturer approval (PMA) investment cast cylinder assemblies · Continental Motors TSIO-520-A, TSIO-520-AE, TSIO-520-AF and 55 more. Effective Apr 25, 2014 - [AD 2012-03-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2012-03-06): Fuel servo diaphragm · Continental Motors 6-260-A, 6-285-A, 6-285-B and 482 more. Effective Feb 24, 2012 - [AD 2010-11-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2010-11-04): Hydraulic lifters · Continental Motors FSO-470-A, GIO-470-A, GTSIO-520-C and 190 more. Effective Jun 16, 2010 - [AD 2009-19-07](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2009-19-07): EQ3 cylinders · Continental Motors IO-470-C, IO-470-D, IO-470-E and 72 more. Effective Oct 7, 2009 - [AD 2007-04-19 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2007-04-19-R1): SAP cylinder assemblies · Lycoming Engines AEIO-320-D1B, AEIO-320-D2B, AEIO-320-E1A and 314 more. Effective May 7, 2007 - [AD 2004-08-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2004-08-10): Serial-numbered (SN) cylinders · Modify Teledyne Continental TSIO-520-NB engine (RAM Aircraft Limited Partnership STC SE09104SC or 4 others). Effective May 5, 2004 - [AD 2000-23-21](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2000-23-21): Crankshaft · Continental Motors IO-360-A, IO-360-AB, IO-360-B and 164 more. Effective Dec 12, 2000 - [AD 99-19-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-19-01): No. 2 and No. 5 Crankshaft Inspections · Continental Motors GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-E and 127 more. Effective Sep 30, 1999 - [AD 96-12-22](https://openairdocs.org/ad/96-12-22): Full Flow Engine Oil Adapter · Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, 120, 140 and 361 more. Effective Jul 31, 1996 - [AD 93-16-15](https://openairdocs.org/ad/93-16-15): Fuel Pump Drive Shaft · Continental Motors IO-520-B, IO-520-BA, IO-520-BB and 27 more. Effective Dec 14, 1993 - [AD 93-08-17](https://openairdocs.org/ad/93-08-17): Oil Pick-Up Tube · Continental Motors IO-470-A, IO-470-C, IO-470-D and 104 more. Effective Aug 23, 1993 - [AD 93-10-02](https://openairdocs.org/ad/93-10-02): Missing Cylinder Valve Retainer Key · Continental Motors GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-E and 180 more. Effective Aug 12, 1993 - [AD 91-19-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/91-19-03): Oil Filter · Continental Motors 6-285-A, 6-285-B, 6-285-BA and 169 more. Effective Sep 29, 1991 - [AD 88-03-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/88-03-06): Oil Filter · Continental Motors GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-E and 155 more. Effective Apr 15, 1988 Historical (superseded or no longer in force): - [AD 2023-04-08](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-04-08) (historical): Reciprocating Engine Power Section · Continental Aerospace Technologies GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-H and 141 more. Effective Feb 23, 2023 - [AD 2009-24-52](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2009-24-52) (historical): Hydraulic lifters · Continental Motors FSO-470-A, GIO-470-A, GTSIO-520-C and 192 more - [AD 2009-16-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2009-16-03) (historical): Cylinder assemblies · Continental Motors IO-520-A, IO-520-B, IO-520-BA and 55 more. Effective Sep 9, 2009 - [AD 2000-08-51](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2000-08-51) (historical): Crankshaft · Teledyne Continental Motors IO-360-A, IO-360-AB, IO-360-B and 158 more - [AD 99-09-17](https://openairdocs.org/ad/99-09-17) (historical): Crankshaft · Teledyne Continental Motors IO-470-A, IO-470-C, IO-470-D and 114 more ## Information bulletins (advisory) (10) - [SAIB NE-20-05](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-20-05): POWERPLANT - Engine Camshaft Gear Tooth Fracture. Issued Apr 6, 2020 - [SAIB NE-18-16](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-18-16): POWERPLANT Alternator Drive Coupling. Issued Jun 20, 2018 - [SAIB NE-17-11](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-17-11): POWERPLANT Engine damage as a result of kickback. Issued May 10, 2017 - [SAIB NE-16-13](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-16-13): Powerplant - Prohibited use of sealant. Issued Mar 8, 2016 - [SAIB NE-13-15](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-13-15): Engine Controls: Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) Throttle and Mixture Control Levers. Issued Feb 8, 2013 - [SAIB NE-13-04](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-13-04): Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) Connecting Rod Piston Pin Bushing Inspection. Issued Oct 31, 2012 - [SAIB NE-10-09](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-10-09): Reciprocating Engine Power Section: Hydraulic Valve Lifters. Issued Nov 20, 2009 - [SAIB NE-10-07](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-10-07): Reciprocating Engine Cylinder: Identification Information for Superior Air Parts, PMA Cylinder Heads for Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) IO-520, TSIO-520,and IO-550 Series Engines.. Issued Nov 2, 2009 - [SAIB NE-09-08](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-09-08): Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section. Issued Jan 30, 2009 - [SAIB NE-07-09R1](https://openairdocs.org/saib/NE-07-09R1): Periodic Inspections of ECi Cylinder Assemblies for Cracks in the Aluminum Head. Issued Mar 21, 2007 ## Registered aircraft (3) - [N310R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N310R): [Sky King Airplanes LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SKY%20KING%20AIRPLANES%20LLC), [Lewes, DE](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/DE/Lewes), built 1975, S/N 310R0311 - [N310ST](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N310ST): [World Pilot Services LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/WORLD%20PILOT%20SERVICES%20LLC), [Garland, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Garland), built 1979, S/N 310R1511 - [N618AM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N618AM): [Bills Richard R](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BILLS%20RICHARD%20R), [Fredericksburg, TX](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/TX/Fredericksburg), built 2009, S/N L2K-320 ## NTSB investigations (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB CEN26FA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26FA071), Dec 30, 2025: Lancair Legacy (N618AM), Fredericksburg, TX, destroyed, 1 fatal, investigation ongoing ## FAA accident and incident reports (1) From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [Accident 20251230020359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20251230020359A), Dec 30, 2025: Bills Richard R LANCAIR LEGACY (N618AM), Fredericksburg, TX, Destroyed, 1 fatal. On December 30, 2025, at approximately 1625 CST, the Lancair Legacy crashed in a field approximately 3.25 miles northwest of tschirhart ranch airport (XS01), a… ## Service difficulty reports (6) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR CA190521016](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA190521016), May 17, 2019: ENGINE. VIBRATION. (CAN) L/H ENGINE VIBRATION DURING RUN-UP (TC# 20190521016) - [SDR 2010FA0000691](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2010FA0000691), Apr 25, 2010: ELECTRONIC UNIT. FAILED. IN APRIL TOOK DELIVERY OF MY ACFT WHICH HAD JUST UNDERGONE EXTENSIVE UPGRADES INCLUDING NEW O/H ENGINE, 3 BLADE PROP, TURBO NORMALIZING SYS, AND GLASS PANEL WIT - [SDR 98ZZZX2647](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX2647), Jul 7, 1998: LIFTER. FAILED. ENGINE REMOVED FROM SERVICE DUE TO METAL CONTAMINATION DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF TAPPET BODIES. - [SDR 98ZZZX2648](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX2648), Jul 7, 1998: LIFTER. FAILED. ENGINE REMOVED FROM SERVICE DUE TO METAL CONTAMINATION DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF TAPPET BODIES. - [SDR 99ZZZX625](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX625), Jul 7, 1998: LIFTER. DAMAGED. ENGINE REMOVED FROM SERVICE DUE TO METAL CONTAMINATION, DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF TAPPET BODIES. - [SDR 99ZZZX626](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX626), Jul 7, 1998: LIFTER. DAMAGED. ENGINE REMOVED FROM SERVICE DUE TO METAL CONTAMINATION, DUE TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF TAPPET BODIES. ## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (21) Approved for this engine model: the STC's model list names it on its data sheet, or a series that includes it. In force first, then newest. The registry doesn't record which STCs an aircraft has. - [STC SE04349CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE04349CH): Installation of SureFly electronic ignition. SureFly Partners Ltd - [STC SE02352CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE02352CH): Installation of Challenger cleanable oil filter assembly. Challenger Aviation Products Inc - [STC SE03309CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE03309CH): Installation of Engine Preheat Kit, p/n TSP6CYL-2927-115 for 115 volt application. Hartzell Propeller Inc - [STC SE04577CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE04577CH): Install an electronic engine ignition system. Electroair Acquisition Corp - [STC SE01966WI](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE01966WI): Use of GAMI G100UL High Octane Unleaded Avgas in spark ignition piston aircraft engines. General Aviation Modifications Inc - [STC SE09356SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09356SC): Install F & M Enterprises' Model C6LC, C6LC-S or C6LC-L oil filter adapter for a spin-on oil filter. Stratus Tool Technologies LLC - [STC SE09217SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09217SC): Installation of modified fuel injector nozzles. General Aviation Modifications Inc - [STC SE09637SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09637SC): Remove existing rocker arm assemblies and install modify rocker arm assemblies. General Aviation Modifications Inc - [STC SE8776SW](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE8776SW): Installation of coated cylinders and piston rings. Continental Motors, Inc. Lists IO-550 Series - [STC SE267CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE267CH): Installation of Slick Model 6309 and 6313 magnetos. Champion Aerospace LLC - [STC SE09846SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09846SC): Installation of S539800M30 starter adapter springs. Aircraft Specialties Services Inc - [STC SE1688GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE1688GL): Installation of a Shadin Company fuel flow transducer. Shadin Avionics - [STC SE1780NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE1780NM): Installation of Precise Flight standby vacuum system (SVS III). Precise Flight Inc - [STC SE01628NY](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE01628NY): Modification of starter adapter by substitution or rework of accessory drive parts. Canadian Aero Manufacturing - [STC SE5743NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE5743NM): Intallation of adapter for externally mounted oil filter. Aviation Development Corporation - [STC SE09513SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09513SC): Installation and usage of Exxon 20W50 Multigrade aircraft engine oil conforming to Exxon Oil Formulation WS-3013. Exxon Company USA - [STC SE09559SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09559SC): Installation of US Airparts roller rocker arm assemblies P/N US92E exhaust and US92I intake. US Airparts, Inc - [STC SE09319SC](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE09319SC): Modify oil pan adding a new oil sump drain. Texas Skyways Inc. Lists IO-550 Series - [STC SE00350SE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE00350SE): Installation of sump mounted chip detector. Aviation Development Corporation - [STC SE00223SE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE00223SE): Installation of Auto-Valve Inc oil drain valve. Rocket Engineering Corporation - [STC SE00005DE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SE00005DE): Installation of engine oil filter adapter compatable with SA4094NM Oilamatic, Inc. engine preoiling system. Oilamatic Inc --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.