Lycoming O-320 series

Service difficulty reports · 346

Newest first. General aviation reporting is voluntary.

Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet'
  WHERE engine_model_key = 'O320'
  ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.

SDR 2026FA0000681Gascolator · dirtyPILOT REPORTED LOW POWER AND VIBRATION ON TAKEOFF AND ABORTED TAKEOFF. CLEANED GASCOLATOR AND AGGRESSIVELY FUEL TANKS AND BELLY SUMPS. NO WATER WAS PRESENT. VERIFIED PROPELLER TORQUE AND CHECKED DYNAMIC BALANCE DUE TO A RECENT PROPELLER INSTALLATION. PROPELLERSep 3, 2026 · N172UZ · Cessna 172P · Engine (Reciprocating)SDR 2026FA0000408Impulse Coupling · unserviceableMAGNETO REMOVED FOR IMPULSE COUPLING INSPECTION. CHAMPION PRODUCED IMPULSE COUPLING FOUND INSTALLED. BOTH RIVETS HOLDING THE PAWLS IN WERE FOUND TO BE BENT.May 19, 2026 · N797GA · Gulstm GA7 · Magneto/DistributorSDR 2026FA0000164Cylinder Head · crackedI HAVE MULTIPLE CRACKED CYLINDERS BETWEEN O-320-D2J AND O-320-D3G ENGINES, THE CYLINDER IS ALL CRACKING IS IN THE SAME LOCATION NEAR THE INTAKE PORT OF THE CYLINDER. THE FAILURE TIMES HAVE BEEN BETWEEN 1087.1 SFRM, 1980.5 SFOH, 1282.1 SFRB, MOST RECENTLY I HAMar 10, 2026 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2026FA0000159Cylinder · crackedPOSITION # 1 &2 CYLINDER EXHAUST PORT CRACK FROM THE INBOARD EXHAUST STUD EXTENDING TO THE BACK OF THE PORT. CRACK VISIBLE THROUGH THE FINS. SUPERIOR CYLINDERS PN: SL32006W-A1 SERIAL NUMBER 326W000003625 & 326W000003623.Mar 5, 2026 · N70052 · Cessna 172M · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2025FA0000780Cylinder · crackedDURING ROUTINE ANNUAL/100HOUR INSPECTIONS 9 CYLINDERS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE CRACKED IN THE SAME LOCATION BETWEEN 4 DIFFERENT AIRCRAFT. ON THE LYCOMING O-320 SERIES OF ENGINES. THEY HAVE BEEN FOUND BETWEEN 591 AND 2261 HOURS.Nov 24, 2025 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2023FA0000086Oil System · leakingN5171H, C172, DECLARED AN EMERGENCY DUE TO SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT AND LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT. 01/24/2023 1705Z///// MAINTENANCE FOUND THAT OIL CAME OUT OF THE OIL LINE GOING TO THE OIL PRESSURE GAGE AND WENT ONTO THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSING THE SMOKE.Jan 24, 2023 · N5171H · Cessna 172M · Turbine Engine Oil SystemSDR 2021FA0000046Engine · fireTHE ENGINE WAS OVERHAULED ON DECEMBER 10, 2020. IT WAS PLACED INTO SERVICE IN THE ABOVE AIRPLANE JANUARY 22, 2021. POST ENGINE INSTALLATION RUNS AND INITIAL FLIGHT WAS NORMAL. AFTER THE INITIAL (BREAK IN) FLIGHT WE CHANGED THE OIL, OIL FILTER AND SERVICED THE Feb 15, 2021 · N6378M · Cessna 152 · Engine (Reciprocating)SDR 8HBR20200629023Flapper Valve · failedCARBURETOR HEAT FLAPPER VALVE MATERIAL FAILURE. A PIECE OF THE CARB HEAT FLAPPER VALVE MATERIAL SEPARATED FROM THE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND GOT STUCK IN THE THROTTLE BODY OF THE CARBURETOR, CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION OF THE ENGINE'S PERFORMANCE.Jun 27, 2020 · N65259 · Cessna 172P · Engine Air Intake SystemSDR 2020FA0000289Mount · brokenENGINE MOUNT EARS ON TOP MOUNT TO AIRFRAME BROKE AT BEND LINE SOMETIME IN THE LIFE OF THE MOUNT. MOUNT FAILED ON START UP & TAXI ALLOWING ENG TO DROP FORWARD AND DOWN PULLING OIL PRESSURE GAUGE HOSE & ELECTRICAL LOOSE & COVERING WINDSCREEN WITH OIL. RW106 MOJun 5, 2020 · Aronca 15AC · Engine Mount SectionSDR 2020FA0000076Spark Plug · out of toleranceACFT EQUIPPED WITH REM 38E SPARK PLUGS, AN UNUSUALLY HIGH EGT READING, CHECKED THE MAGNETOS. SWITCHED FROM BOTH TO LEFT, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING ON ONLY 3 CYLINDERS. FOUND THAT ONE OF THE 8 PLUGS WAS NOT FIRING. THE RESISTANCE OF 5 OF THE 8 PLUGS EXCEEDED Jan 22, 2020 · N6478D · Cessna 172N · Spark Plug/IgniterSDR 2020FA0000060Plug · brokenFLIGHT TRAINING. THE PIN CAP/PLUG BROKE OFF. THEN BROKE THE PISTON.Jan 14, 2019 · N31385 · Piper PA28161 · Reciprocating Engine Power SectionSDR 2018FA0000515Skin · crackedON ANNUAL INSPECTION TWO SMALL CRACKS WERE FOUND ON THE TOP OF THE RIGHT WING AND ONE SMALL CRACK ON THE TOP OF THE LEFT WING. THE FIRST CRACK WAS FOUND AT THE AFT EDGE OF A FLUSH HEAD RIVET THAT ATTACHED THE STRINGER TO THE SKIN ON THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE RIDec 11, 2018 · N32361 · Piper PA28140 · Wing, Plate/SkinSDR 2018FA0000516Skin · damagedON ANNUAL INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE TRAILING EDGE CAP ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT INBOARD LONGITUDINAL EXTERIOR RUNNER HAD TWO POPPED RIVET HEADS AND SURFACE CORROSION. THIS WAS CAUSED BY AN INSUFFICIENT PROTRUSION OF THE BATTERY VENT LINE INTO THE AIRSTREAM WDec 11, 2018 · N32361 · Piper PA28140 · Wing, Plate/SkinSDR 2018FA0000521Hose · collapsedINVESTIGATING HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES OF THE INSIDE LAYER OF THE OIL SUPPLY HOSE TO THE OIL COOLER AT THE ENG END BEGINNING APPROX 2 INCHES FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE HOSE HAD COMPLETELY COLLAPSED INWARD BLOCKING ALMOSJul 3, 2018 · N6580W · Piper PA28140 · Reciprocating Engine Oil SystemSDR 2018FA0000201Cylinder · failedDURING A 100 HOUR INSPECTION, DISCOVERED THAT CYLINDERS NR 1 AND 3 HAD COMPRESSIONS IN THE 20PSI RANGE. ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THIS WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL. CYLINDERS NR 1 AND 3 WERE REPLACED.Jun 29, 2018 · N26794 · Amrgen AA5A · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2018FA0000522Shaft · fracturedPILOT REPORTED A SMOOTH 200 RPM DROP ON RIGHT MAGNETO WHEN PERFORMING HIS PRE DEPARTURE ENG CHECK. REPLACING THE POINTS, CAPACITOR, CAM AND CAM GEAR DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. AFTER CLOSER INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT BY HOLDING THE MAGNETO DRIVE GEAR TMar 30, 2018 · N54410 · Piper PA28151 · Magneto/DistributorSDR 2018FA0000001Engine · power lossMOMENTARY 200 RPM DROP DURING CRUISE. MADE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING, PERFORMED ENGINE RUN UPS AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE MALFUNCTION.Jan 3, 2018 · N73435 · Cessna 172M · Engine (Reciprocating)SDR 2017FA0000168Cylinder · crackedNUMBER 1 CYLINDER CRACKED, ON CLIMB OUT.Apr 12, 2017 · Cessna 172 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2016FA0000498Piston Ring · out of alignmentDURING TAKE OFF, WITH GLIDER IN TOW, AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED AN UNCOMMANDED ENGINE SHUT DOWN. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE NR 3 PISTON RINGS WERE NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY.Oct 12, 2016 · N6984B · Piper PA18 · Reciprocating Engine Power SectionSDR C2XA2016FA0000390Carburetor · looseCOMPLAINT RECEIVED OF ENGINE, DEISELING, ON SHUTDOWN. FOUND CARBURETOR UPPER HALF AND LOWER SEPARATING AT MATING SURFACE. REMOVED CARBURETOR RETIGHTENED SCREWS AND RELOCKED LOCK TABS. ADJUSTED IDLE AND MIXTURE THIS IS THE SECOND CARB WITH THE SAME PROBLEM INAug 26, 2016 · N15726 · Piper PA28140 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating EnginesSDR 2016FA0000382Scissor Link · crackedWHEN THE ACFT WAS ON FINAL TO RUNWAY 27, THE CONTROLLER THOUGHT THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT DIDN'T LOOK RIGHT WITH THE ACFT, SO HE UTILIZED BINOCULARS AND NOTICED THAT THE FIXED RT MAIN GEAR APPEARED TO BE HANGING ABNORMALLY FROM THE WING, BY ONLY THE HYDRAULIC BAug 6, 2016 · N9184Y · Piper PA28161 · Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/TruckSDR 2016FA0000391Landing Gear · crackedDURING ROUTINE INSPECTION AXLE STUB WAS FOUND CRACKED 75 PERCENT OF THE WAY AROUND. AREA INVOLVED WAS IN THE EAR AREA WHERE THE SCISSORS ATTACH AT THE LOWER END CASTING. WHERE SCISSORS ATTACH BOTH EARS WERE CRACKED ON THE INSIDE AND EXTENDING ACROSS THE WIDTJul 13, 2016 · N2496X · Piper PA28161 · Main Landing GearSDR 2016FA0000370Rotor · crackedAIRCRAFT CAME INTO SHOP FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION AND PILOT MENTIONED THAT ON LAST FLIGHT HE HAD AROUND A 300 RPM DROP ON RT MAGNETO. PILOT LEANED MIXTURE AND PERFORMED ANOTHER CHECK DURING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION THE TIMING VARIED FROM 25 TO 0 DEGREES BEFORE TOP DJun 9, 2016 · N13295 · Cessna 172M · Magneto/DistributorSDR 2016FA0000134Firewall · buckledDURING ANNUAL INSPECTION, FOUND LOWER FIREWALL BUCKLED ON RT SIDE NEAR NLG REINFORCEMENT PLATE.Mar 15, 2016 · N5110Q · Cessna 172 · Fuselage Main, BulkheadSDR ECPR2016022870382Distributor Gear · brokenWHILE PERFORMING THE PRE-FLIGHT RUN UP, THE RT MAGNETO DROP OFF WAS FOUND TO BE 400 RPM AND ROUGH.Feb 28, 2016 · N158ND · Piper PA28161 · Magneto/DistributorSDR 2016FA0000117Wire Harness · chafedAS THE AIRCRAFT WAS CLIMBING THROUGH 400 FEET AGL, THE PILOT DETECTED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE LT HALF OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE PILOT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AND RETURNED FOR LANDING ON RUNWAY 22R. AFTER LANDING, THE PILOT STATED THAT MELTED WIRINFeb 28, 2016 · N7168R · Piper PA28140 · Instrument System WiringSDR 2016FA0000202Oil Cooler · crackedAFTER DEPARTURE, ACFT HAD SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT DUE TO A SPLIT IN THE OIL COOLER WHICH WAS GETTING OIL ON THE MUFFLER, CAUSING SMOKE. REPLACE PART WITH NEW PMA PN 800000075, SN 10427581.Jan 13, 2016 · N5499W · Piper PA28160 · Engine Oil CoolerSDR 2015FA0000463Needle · dislodgedIDLE MIXTURE ADJUSTMENT KNOB AND NEEDLE FELL OUT OF THE CARBURETOR. 2ND OCCURRENCE.Sep 25, 2015 · N4335Z · Piper PA18A150 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating EnginesSDR 2015FA0000389Shaft · shearedTHE ROTOR SHAFT THAT HOLDS THE GEAR ON ROTOR, PN: M3548 SHEARED OFF AT THE BASE OF THE ROTOR SHAFT. THIS RESULTED IN THE GEAR JAMMING UP INSIDE THE MAGNETO, WHICH ULTIMATELY LED TO THE FAILURE OF THE MAGNETO.Jul 8, 2015 · N8119H · Piper PA28161 · Magneto/DistributorSDR KC2R1202201449575Impulse Coupling · crackedDURING PERFORMANCE OF MAGNETO "500 HOUR INSPECTION", IMPULSE COUPLING WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED AT THE TAPER SEAT AND AT BOTH AXLE RIVET LOCATIONS ON BASE PLATE OF IMPULSE COUPLING ASSY. HAVE SEEN A VERY LARGE PERCENTAGE OF IMPULSE COUPLINGS DEVELOPE CRACKS IN SDec 2, 2014 · N9815L · Cessna 172P · Magneto/DistributorSDR ECQR2014092500130Magneto · failedENGINE STALLED AFTER LANDING AND ENGINE STALLED TAXIING ON RUNWAY, TWICE. REPLACED CARBURETOR AT 206.3 HRS. AFTER 3RD WRITE UP, BOTH MAGNETOS WERE REMOVED. LT MAG 4371 FOUND EVIDENCE OF FLASHOVER IN DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK AS WELL AS A LOOSE DISTRIBUTOR POINT. BSep 8, 2014 · N624FT · Piper PA28161 · Magneto/DistributorSDR ECQR2014092500131Magneto · failedTHE ENGINE O/H AND INSTALLED 1/24/2014. ON 8/12/14 ENGINE STALLED AFTER LANDING AND ENGINE STALLED TAXIING ON RUNWAY, TWICE. 8/22/14, 9/5/14, REPLACED CARBURETOR AT 206.3 HRS. AFTER 3RD WRITE UP, BOTH MAGNETOS WERE REMOVED. LT MAG 4371 FOUND EVIDENCE OF FLSep 8, 2014 · N624FT · Piper PA28161 · Magneto/DistributorSDR ECPR201407080466Carburetor · malfunctionedAFTER THE SECOND LANDING, THE THROTTLE WAS PULLED BACK BUT THE ENGINE RPM WOULD NOT GO BELOW 1900 RPM. UPON OPS AND VISUAL INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CARBURETOR ACCELERATOR PUMP DISCHARGE TUBE HAD COME LOOSE FROM ITS MOUNT AND LODGED IN THE THROTTLJun 19, 2014 · N555PU · Piper PA28161 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating EnginesSDR 2014FA0000262Tube · puncturedPIN HOLE IN SIDE OF INNER TUBE, NOSE GEAR.Apr 23, 2014 · N106LE · Cessna 172N · Tire TubeSDR YAAA20140109001Crankcase · crackedFOUND ENG LT CRANKCASE ASSEMBLY CRACKED DURING MAINTENANCE PRE-FLIGHT. REMOVED ENG & SENT CRANKCASE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT.Jan 9, 2014 · N6332D · Cessna 172N · Reciprocating Engine Power SectionSDR 2013FA0000362Seat Frame · crackedSEAT WAS FOUND CRACKED WHERE SEAT BASE FRAMES EXTEND TO ATTACHMENT POINTS.Jun 20, 2013 · N98914 · Cessna 172P · Flight Compartment EquipmentSDR CA130405003Impulse Coupling · inoperative(CAN) DURING PREFLIGHT RUNUP A HIGH RPM DROP OFF WAS REPORT ON LT MAGNETO. NOT IMPULSE COUPLING ENGAGEMENT WAS NOTED DURING MAINTENANCE INSPECTION. UPON REMOVAL OF DEFECTIVE MAGNETO, THE IMPULSE COUPLING WAS OBSERVED TO BE NON FUNCTIONING AND MAGENTO DRIVE GMar 30, 2013 · Piper PA18A135 · Magneto/DistributorSDR 2013FA0000142Axle · crackedLEFT WHEEL AXLE AND WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE GEAR TRUSS.Feb 24, 2013 · N558J · Buker JUNGMANN1131 · Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/TruckSDR 2013FA0000154Yoke · failedDURING PREFLIGHT, PILOT COULDN`T MOVE ELEVATOR FLIGHT CONTROLS. MX FOUND WELD ASSY YOKE BROKEN OFF AND CORRODED INSIDE THE TUBE.Feb 19, 2013 · N66059 · Cessna 172P · Elevator StructureSDR 2012FA0000790Structure · corrodedTHE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER MAIN SPAR ON THIS ACFT CAN NOT BE INSPECTED BY NORMAL MEANS AS IT IS A COMPLETELY SEALED UNIT WITH NO INSPECTION DOORS, HOLES, OR WINDOWS. (THERE ARE SOME VERY SMALL HOLES THAT ARE USED TO LOCK THE HINGE PINS BUT THEY ARE TO SMALL FODec 2, 2012 · N25315 · Socata TB9CTAMPICO · Horizontal Stabilizer StructureSDR ECPR201211160001Valve Spring · brokenACFT EXPERIENCED ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE INFLIGHT WITH LOSS OF MAX RPM. INSPECTION AFTER PRECAUTIONARY LANDING FOUND LOW COMPRESSION ON THE NR 2 CYLINDER. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND THE NR 2 CYLINDER INNER AND OUTER EXHAUST VALVE SPRINGS BROKEN. BOTH SPRINGS REPLNov 2, 2012 · N159ND · Piper PA28161 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2012FA0000728Float · wrong partCARBURETOR WAS SUBMITTED FOR INSPECTION. CUSTOMER STATED THE CARBURETOR WAS UNRESPONSIVE AT IDLE SHUT OFF. ALSO STATED BACKFIRING. DURING INSPECTION, NOTED THE CARBURETOR WAS FITTED WITH WHITE PLASTIC, ADVANCED POLYMER HOLLOW FLOAT. CARBURETOR FOUND NOT TOOct 15, 2012 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating EnginesSDR V0XR20120905J0073Fitting · corrodedRIGHT OTBD INTERCOSTAL FLOORMOUNT MACHINE FITTING IS CORRODED. R & R OTBD INTERCOSTAL FLOORMOUNT MACHINE FITTING IAW SRM 51-40-11 AND 51-42-21.Sep 4, 2012 · N668CA · Cndair CL6002C10 · Fuselage Main, Attach FittingsSDR 2012FA0000602Circuit Breaker · inoperativeNOTED A CLICKING ACCOMPANIED BY AMMETER INDICATING A HEAVY DISCHARGE. PROBLEM ISOLATED TO A CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT WASN`T TRIPPING THE INDICATOR BUTTON AND WAS WORKING AS AN AUTO RESET BREAKER. A SHORT WAS LOCATED WITHIN THE ALREADY PLACARDED " INOP" ADF. THEAug 15, 2012 · N75603 · Cessna 172N · Communications System WiringSDR 2012FA0000573Sending Unit · misinstalledFUEL SENDERS, SERVICED, LEAK FUEL THROUGH THE MOUNTING FLANGE, WHICH IS BOLTED, OUTSIDE OF TANK, TO THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK.Aug 8, 2012 · N6094F · Cessna 172N · Fuel Indicating SystemSDR 2012FA0000453Cylinder · crackedTHE NR 4 CYLINDER BAFFLE CRACKS TOO OFTEN,SOMETIMES IN AS LITTLE AS 100HR. THIS BAFFLE SUPPORTS THE OTBD SIDE OF THE OIL COOLER, NEW PART FROM STOCK HAD A .025 GAP BETWEEN PIECES ON THE OIL COOLER MOUNTING FLANGE AND MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE OIL COOLER WERE MISJul 3, 2012 · N516PC · Piper PA28161 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2012FA0000630Unknown · fireACFT WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AS A RESULT OF AN IN-FLIGHT FIRE AND RESULTING POST CRASH FIRE. THE FIRE APPEARS TO HAVE STARTED IN THE COCKPIT FROM AN UNKNOWN IGNITION SOURCE AND FED BY GASOLINE.Jun 26, 2012 · N18TN · Amtr LANCAIR235M · Standard Practices/StructuresSDR 2012FA0000305Brake Assy · crackedPART HAS A CRACK AT 1 OF THE BLEEDER PORTS. IT MAY HAVE BEEN FROM COMPONENT FAILURE, BUT IT MAY WELL HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY OVER-TIGHTENING.Apr 25, 2012 · N13205 · Cessna 172M · Landing Gear Brake SystemSDR 2012FA0000212Sleeve · mismanufacturedFUEL LEAK OCCURED AT RIGHT AFT FUEL TANK OUTLET FITTING FUEL LINE FLARED FITTING JOINT. FUEL LINE WAS MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECTIVE SLEEVE WITH A SHOULDER OF .045" AS OPPOSED TO THE STANDARD DIMMENSION OF .170. FOUND BACK OF FLARE CUT INTO AND NO LONGER ABLEFeb 23, 2012 · N95155 · Cessna 172N · Aircraft Fuel Distribution SystemSDR 2011FA0000776Battery · explodedON ENGINE START-UP A LOUD POP WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE COWL. INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE BATTERY, A 24 VOLT, MODEL 243 INSTALLED IN 2007, HAD EXPLODED UPWARD. THIS BATTERY IS EQUIPPED WITH A CAST ALUMINUM SEALING COVER THAT IS HELD IN PLACE OVER THE CELLS BDec 6, 2011 · N5374K · Cessna 172P · Battery/Charger System
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