Lycoming O-360-A4A

Service difficulty reports · 75

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 = 'O360A4A'
  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 2025FA0000663Valve · failed inspDURING ROUTINE 100 HR INSPECTION FOUND COMPRESSION TO BE 40/80 ON CYLINDER #4 AND INSPECTED FURTHER. FOUND THAT VALVE WAS NOT SEATING PROPERLY. VALVE SEAT WAS BELL MOUTHED, VALVE PUSHES IN AN OUT ON A CURVE RATHER THAN STRAIGHT, WORN ONLY ON ONE SIDE. IMPROPSep 25, 2025 · N3939X · Piper PA28151 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2024FA0000435Case · crackedON CLIMB TO CRUISING ALTITUDE PIC FELT AN ENGINE VIBRATION AND DECIDED TO TURN BACK TO KARG. ON TURN BACK TO DEPARTURE AIRPORT OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO "0" AND ENGINE SEIZED. POST EMERGENCY LANDING, ENGINE COWLING WAS REMOVED, HOLE IN CRANKCASE FOUND ON FORWARDJun 7, 2024 · N15871 · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Power SectionSDR 2024FA0000421Screw · looseOWNER COMPLAINED OF A ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE. DIAGNOSIS FOUND THE BEARING CAP ASSEMBLY MOUNTING SCREWS HAS COME LOOSE ON THE RH MAGNETO.ONE SCREW AND RETAINER HAS FALLEN COMPLETELY OUT. THE BEARING CAP ASSEMBLY WAS FREELY ROTATING 5-10 DEGREES ALLOWING THE MAGNEJun 3, 2024 · N7842N · Piper PA28180 · Magneto/DistributorSDR 2024FA0000065Piston · failedFOLLOWING A FLT TEST, IN PATTERN WITH ACFT & NEW ENG, DEPARTED KLUD FOR THE 2ND BREAK-IN FLT IAW SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS. MADE A FULL-STATIC POWER RUNUP & INITIATED TAKEOFF IN KLUD. CLIMBOUT NORMAL, ENTERED LT PATTERN & DEPARTED NORTH FROM LT DOWNWIND VFR AT APPRJan 11, 2024 · N5120S · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2023FA0000235Tube · unknownPILOT NOTED SMALL WISPS OF SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT AND CO PILOT NOTICED OIL ON THE LEADING EDGE OF THE RH WING. PILOT RETUNED TO AIRPORT AND BROUGHT THE AIRPLANE TO THE MX HANGAR. I NOTICED OIL ON THE RH SIDE OF THE ENGINE COWLING. UPON REMOVING THE UPPER COWApr 20, 2023 · N7100 · Piper PA28180 · Engine Oil System (Airframe Furnished)SDR 2022FA0000422Carburetor · inaccurateFACTORY OVERHAULED ENGINE INSTALLED IN AIRFRAME. PERFORMANCE WAS NORMAL, BUT NOTED THAT CARBURETOR WAS DIFFICULT TO SET AND MAINTAIN LEAN CUTOFF RISE IN RPM DURING SHUTDOWN. SINCE IT DIDN'T AFFECT FLIGHT PERFORMANCE, AIRCRAFT RELEASED TO SEE IF CONDITION WOULDJul 18, 2022 · N7933N · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating EnginesSDR 2020FA0000104Fuel Bowl · loosePILOT REPORTED LOW RPM AND PERFORMANCE ISSUES ON GROUND RUN. REMOVE COWLINGS. DURING INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT CARBURETOR LOOSE AND HAD SIGN OF SEEPING. ALL ATTACH SCREWS WERE STILL SAFE TIED.May 26, 2019 · N4833L · Fuel Control/Reciprocating EnginesSDR 2015FA0000216Pin · shearedFLAP HANDLE WILL NOT CLICK INTO DE-TENT ON LANDING. INSPECTION SHOWED DETENT PIN SHEARED IN HALF THROUGH RETENTION ROLL PIN HOLE. CAUSING FLAP TO RETRACT ON LANDING. ORIGINAL PART IS .1875 DIA, CURRENT PRODUCTION PART IS NOW .2500 DIA.May 14, 2015 · N2062R · Piper PA28180 · Trailing Edge FlapsSDR CA141224003G Switch · failed(CAN) WHILE TESTING THE ELT ON ITS ANNUAL CERTIFICATION AS PER CAR 571 APPENDIX G FOUND G SWITCH IN UNIT WOULD NOT ACTIVATE & OUTPUT POWER LOW. UNIT REMOVED FROM SERVICE.Dec 23, 2014 · Piper PA28180 · Emergency Locator BeaconSDR 2014FA0000123Cylinder Head · fracturedALUMINUM CYLINDER HEAD FRACTURED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY ADJACENT TO UPPER EDGE OF STEEL CYLINDER BARREL ON 4/28/13 DESPITE A SATISFACTORY COMPRESSION CHECK (79/80) 4 DAYS PRIOR 4/25/13, WITH NO USE IN THE INTERIM. HEAD SEPARATION OCCURRED AT HIGH POWER SETTING, TAApr 29, 2013 · N15248 · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR CA120625002Leg Assy · cracked(CAN) DURING INSPECTION IAW SB 1131, RT MLG LEG WAS FOUND CRACKED AT THE UPPER INBD TORQUE LINK ATTACH LUG. THIS LG STRUT CYLINDER WAS CAST TYPE.Jun 7, 2012 · Piper PA28180 · Main Landing Gear Attach SectionSDR 2012FA0000224Transmitter · erraticDURING ALL OPERATIONS, NOTICED VERY ERRATIC FUEL QUANTITY INDICATIONS FROM BOTH TANKS. DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION, MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE BOTH FUEL QUANTITY SENDERS RESISTANCE WAS VERY ERRATIC AND DID NOT APPEAR TO BE WITHIN TOLERANCE. FUEL QUANTITY SENDApr 20, 2012 · N4795L · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Quantity SensorSDR 2012FA0000115Selector Valve · wornTHE FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE, WHEN THE VALVE WAS ROTATED, IT WAS STIFF TO MOVE AND COULD NOT FEEL THE DETENT AT EACH POSITION. A TEARDOWN OF THE VALVE SHOWED THAT THE VALVE WAS VERY DIRTY INSIDE AND THE DETENT RING WAS WORN. DEFECT LED TO IMPROPER FUEL SELECFeb 16, 2012 · N994NC · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Selector/Shut-Off ValveSDR CA101118002Heat Exchanger · cracked(CAN) LEAK DETECTED. UPON COMPLETION OF AD 90-03 R2 LEAK IDENTIFIED IN CABIN HEAT EXCHANGER. UNIT IS A FAA-STC AFTERMARKET EXHAUST INSTALLED PER STC SA01801AT. SIMILAR INSTALLATIONS CONTAINING THE SAME DESIGN ARE INSTALLED IN MANY OTHER MODEL AIRCRAFT. IT CONTNov 10, 2010 · Cessna 172N · Engine Noise SuppressorSDR CA100813008Hub · corroded(CAN) PROPELLER RECEIVED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH CARS, PART 6, STANDARD 625, APPENDIX C. 6. FIRST THING NOTICED WAS WHITE CORROSION POWDER IN THE 6 BOLT HOLE COUNTERBORES. GLASS CLEANED THE AREA AND FOUND PITTING. PROPELLER TAGGED UNSERVICEABLE. REQUESTED TO COAug 13, 2010 · Piper PA28180 · Propeller Hub SectionSDR CA090902008Impulse Coupling · brokenDURING 500 HR INSP OF MAGNETO, PAWL PLATE WAS FOUND TO BE MISSING PIECES AT BOTH OF THE STOP LOCATIONS. ONE PIECE WAS FOUND ON THE LIP OF THE MAGNETO ADAPTER AND THE OTHER WAS RETIEVED WITH A MAGNET FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ACCESSORY CASE.Sep 2, 2009 · Cessna 172N · Magneto/DistributorSDR CA081106005Baffle · failed(CAN) POWER LOSS ON TAKEOFF DUE TO BAFFLE FAILURE INSIDE MUFFLER WHICH RESTRICTED EXHAUST OF ENGINE CAUSING PARTIAL POWER LOSS.Oct 31, 2008 · Piper PA28180 · Engine Noise SuppressorSDR CA080919001Mount Bracket · cracked(CAN) THE EXISTING ELT MOUNTING BRACKET WAS INSPECTED PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT OF THE VHF ELT WITH A 406 MHZ ELT. UPON REMOVING THE NARCO ELT10 MOUNTING TRAY, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ACFT ELT MOUNTING BRACKET WAS CRACKED AT EACH MOUNTING TRAY SCREW HOLE LOCATION. Sep 17, 2008 · Piper PA28180 · Emergency Locator BeaconSDR 2008FA0000151Crankshaft · crackedCRANKSHAFT HAS VERY LARGE RADIAL CRACKS AT THE BASE OF THE FORWARD THRUST FACE, EXTENDING APPROX. 85% OF THE WAY AROUND THE SHAFT. APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A FRONTAL IMPACT ON THE CRANKSHAFT DRIVING IT REWARD IN THE ENGINE AND IMPACTING THE CRANKCASE.Mar 5, 2008 · Reciprocating Engine Power SectionSDR 2007FA0000819Bearing · destroyedBEARING LW14227 CAGE DESTROYED AND APPROXIMATELY 50 PERCENT MISSING. THIS IS THE ENGINE SIDE BEARING OF THE LW15416 MAGNETO DRIVE ADAPTER (MAGNETO ISOLATION DRIVE FOR RT MAGNETO)ENGINE HAS 857 HOURS SINCE FACTORY OVERHAUL IN 2000.Sep 24, 2007 · N5147L · Piper PA28180 · Magneto/DistributorSDR 2007FA0000820Bearing · destroyedBEARING LW14227 CAGE DESTROYED AND APPROXIMATELY 50 PERCENT MISSING. THIS IS THE ENGINE SIDE BEARING OF THE LW15416 MAGNETO DRIVE ADAPTER (MAGNETO ISOLATION DRIVE FOR RIGHT HAND MAGNETO). ENGINE HAS 857 HOURS SINCE FACTORY OVERHAUL IN 2000.Sep 24, 2007 · N5147L · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Rear SectionSDR 2007FA0000526Terminal · loose217 HOURS AFTER OVERHAUL, THE OUTPUT TERMINAL BECAME LOOSE IN THE BUSS STRAP INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR, CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE. LIKELY THIS FIT (NORMALLY A PRESS FIT) WAS NOT AS TIGHT AS IT NEEDED TO BE WHEN THIS UNIT LEFT KELLY.Jun 15, 2007 · Piper PA28180 · AC Generation SystemSDR CA070517001Adapter · cracked(CAN) DURING GROUND RUN AFTER OVERHAUL, AN OIL LEAK WAS NOTICED ORIGINATING FROM THE LOWER RT ATTACH POINT OF THE OIL FILTER ADAPTER. UPON CLOSE VISUAL INSPECTION A CRACK WAS FOUND IN THE RADIUS OF THE LOWER RT FLANGE. UNIT WAS REPLACED AND LEAK CHECKED. (TCMay 15, 2007 · Cessna 172N · Engine Oil Distribution (Airframe Furnished)SDR CA060925003Connector · broken(CAN) WHEN MANUAL RUDDER TRIM WAS APPLIED THE RUDDER FAILED TO RESPOND. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE ARM THAT CONNECTS THE TRIM ACTUATOR TO THE RUDDER CONTROL ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN OFF THE ASSEMBLY AT THE EDGE OF THE WELD. THE COMPLETE RUDDER TRIM ARM ASAug 30, 2006 · Piper PA28180 · Flight Control System WiringSDR CA061011002Connector · broken(CAN) WHEN MANUAL RUDDER TRIM WAS APPLIED IN CLIMB THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION FOUND THAT THE ARM THAT CONNECTS THE TRIM ACTUATOR TO THE RUDDER CONTROL ASSEMBLY HAD BROKEN OFF THE ASSEMBLY AT THE EDGE OF THE WELD. THE COMPLETE RUDDER TRIM ARMAug 30, 2006 · Piper PA28180 · Rudder, Tab StructureSDR CA060125002Collar · cracked(CAN) DURING INSPECTION THE PILOT CONTROL COLUMN WAS NOTICED TO HAVE MORE MOVEMENT OFF-AXIS THAN THE CO-PILOT CONTROL PANEL. THE PILOT'S CONTROL COLUMN SUPPORT & LOCK COLLAR WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED LONGITUDINALLY AND WAS REPLACED NEW. (TC# 20060125002)Jan 20, 2006 · Cessna 172N · Instrument PanelSDR 2005FA0001537Armature · brokenPILOT REPORTED GRINDING NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN STARTER WAS ENGAGED. STARTER WAS REMOVED ARMATURE WAS FOUND WITH 2 SPLINES SHEARED OFF. INTERMEDIATE GEAR WAS MISSING 2 TEETH. CAUSE UNKNOWN. THIS IS THE THIRD ARMATURE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS WITH THNov 7, 2005 · N4147K · Piper PA28181 · Engine StarterSDR 2005FA0001403Cylinder Head · failedNR 3 CYLINDER PRODUCED CRACK FROM LOWER SPARK PLUG TO EXHAUST PORT, ENGINE LOST POWER DURING CLIMB OUT AT APPROX 700 FT ATTEMPT TO RETURN FOR LANDING WAS UNSUCESSFUL, FAILED. CYCLINDER INSTALLED 1/12/00 RECONDITION CYLINDER TIME UNKNOWN - TIME IN SERVICE, APPSep 20, 2005 · N6494J · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR CA050803001Bolt · broken(CAN) DURING THE WALK-AROUND THE PILOT NOTICED THE DOWN ELEVATOR STOP BOLT HEAD HANGING FROM THE LOCKWIRE. IT HAD BROKEN FROM THE SHAFT APPROXIMATELY 2MM FROM THE BOLT HEAD. THE BOLT WAS REPLACED NEW AND THE ELEVATOR TRAVELS AND FUNCTION WERE CHECKED.Aug 2, 2005 · Cessna 172N · Elevator Control SystemSDR 2005FA0000904Landing Gear · brokenRT MAIN LANDING GEAR BROKE DURING LANDING AT PBF.Jun 24, 2005 · N1835T · Piper PA28180 · Main Landing GearSDR 2005FA0000905Landing Gear · brokenRT MAIN LANDING GEAR BROKE DURING LANDING AT PBF.Jun 24, 2005 · N1835T · Piper PA28180 · Main Landing GearSDR 2005FA0000906Landing Gear · brokenRT MAIN LANDING GEAR BROKE DURING LANDING AT PBF.Jun 24, 2005 · N1835T · Piper PA28180 · Main Landing GearSDR CA050202004Spar · cracked(CAN) DURING THE 200 HOUR INSPECTION CRACKS WERE FOUND STARTING FROM THE CENTRAL LIGHTENING HOLE IN THE FORWARD HORIZONTAL STABILIZER SPAR. THE CRACKS WERE STOP DRILLED AND REINFORCEMENT P/N 0531037-1 AND SKIN P/N 0523001-25 WERE INSTALLED IAW SEB94-8.Jan 25, 2005 · Cessna 172N · Horizontal Stabilizer, Spar/RibSDR 2005FA0000089Armature · failedTHE GENERATOR WAS JUST O/H, WITHOUT DISASSEMBLING THE GENERATOR, LOOKING IN TO PULLEY SIDE, YOU COULD SEE THAT THE ARMATURE HAD PARTIALLY UNWOUND. TO THE POINT WHERE ONE ARMATURE WIRE WAS RUBBING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FIELD COVERING OFF. THIS CAUSED THE ARMATURE Dec 2, 2004 · N21JC · Beech 95 · AC Generator-AlternatorSDR 2005FA0000241Magneto · looseOVERHAUL DATE, MFG, 5-2001 - GEAR FAILURE (PN AB-357584) ELECTRODE BRASS FINGRE ON NYLON GEAR WAS LOOSE AND CONTRACTED BRASS ELECTRODES. ON PN 10-357424 DISTRIBUTOR BLOCK FILLING BLOCK WITH CONDUCTIVE PARTICLES WHICH ENDED UP SHORTING OUT ONE IGNITION LEAD CASep 15, 2004 · N9198B · Piper PA28180 · Magneto/DistributorSDR XGK2004F00000Shaft · shearedCOMPLAINT OF EXCESSIVE MAG DROP. FIELD REPAIR FOUND TIMING 5 DEGREES LATE, RESET MAG TIMING AND FERRY AIRCRAFT TO BASE FOR INSPECTION. REMOVED MAGNETO AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS WITH INTERNAL TIMING. REINSTALLED, TIMED MAGNETO AND MARKED POSITION WITH TORQUE SEAJul 8, 2004 · N38850 · Piper PA28181 · Magneto/DistributorSDR GZQ2004F00001Case Half · crackedA CRACK WAS FOUND ON THE LT CASE HALF FORWARD OF TOP THROUGH BOLT.Jan 1, 2004 · N828MC · Piper PA28180 · Engine (Reciprocating)SDR AUS20031278Spar · corroded(AUS) RT WING REAR SPAR CORRODED. FOUND DURING INSPECTION IAW AD/PA28/40A.Dec 18, 2003 · Piper PA28180 · Wing SparSDR AUS20031280Spar · corroded(AUS) LT WING REAR SPAR CORRODED. FOUND DURING INSPECTION IAW AD/PA28/40A.Dec 18, 2003 · Piper PA28180 · Wing SparSDR AUS20031281Channel · corroded(AUS) LOWER REAR FUSELAGE CENTER CHANNEL SECTION CONTAINED DISSIMILAR METAL CORROSION ON BOTH SIDES IN AREA OF REAR SPAR ATTACHMENT. FOUND DURING INSPECTION IAW AD/PA28/40A AND PIPER SERVICE BULLETIN NR 977.Dec 18, 2003 · Piper PA28180 · Fuselage Miscellaneous StructureSDR 2003FA0001196Oil Cooler · crackedDURING A MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THIS AIRCRAFT, THE OIL COOLER WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED. PROBABLE CAUSE IS VIBRATION. RECOMMEND MANUFACTURER LOOK AT PROVIDING A SOLID PIECE OIL COOLER AS REPLACEMENT.Oct 28, 2003 · N4133D · Piper PA28181 · Engine Oil CoolerSDR 2003FA0000955Oil Cooler · crackedDURING A MAINTENANCE INSPECTION OF THIS AIRCRAFT, THE OIL COOLER WAS FOUND TO BE CRACKED AROUND THE MOUNTING BOLT HOLES AND LEAKING FROM THE SEAM IN THAT AREA. PROBABLE CAUSE IS VIBRATION. RECOMMEND USING A SOLID PIECE OIL COOLER.Sep 9, 2003 · N4142Q · Piper PA28181 · Engine Oil CoolerSDR 2003FA0000633Control Cable · brokenCONTROL CABLE BROKE, ONE INCH FROM CARBURETOR IN FLIGHT. CARBURETOR WENT TO IDLE CUT-OFF.May 29, 2003 · N1599R · Piper PA28180 · Fuel Control/Reciprocating EnginesSDR 2003FA0000489Oil Cooler · crackedAFTER LANDING FLIGHT CREW NOTICED OIL ON SIDE OF AIRCRAFT. MAINTENANCE INVESTIGATED AND FOUND OIL COOLER CRACKED AND LEAKING. CAUSE OF LEAK IS FAILURE OF OIL COOLER AT SEAMS. RECOMMEND TO USE SOLID PIECE OIL COOLER.May 1, 2003 · N4133D · Piper PA28181 · Engine Oil CoolerSDR CA030506002Armature · broken(CAN) UPON INITIAL START OF DAY, STARTER MADE GRINDING NOISE.UPON REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY OF STARTER. IT WAS VISUALLY EVIDENT THE GEAR ON THE ARMATURE WAS MISSING 4 TEETH AND THE GEAR AT THE BASE OF THE BENDI X WAS MISSING ONE TOOTH. THE FLYWHEEL WAS INSPECApr 29, 2003 · Cessna 172N · Engine StarterSDR CA030710001Exhaust Valve · separated(CAN) DURING A TRAINING FLIGHT POWER WAS ADVANCED, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AT THIS POINT AND STARTED TO VIBRATE. THE AIRCRAFT IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT AND LANDED SAFELY WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THEApr 10, 2003 · Piper PA28180 · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR 2002FA0001187Adapter · missingPULLED THE MAGNETOS FOR INSPECTION, AND FOUND THAT THE RT MAGNETO DRIVE ADAPTER HAS SOME DAMAGED BEARINGS. PULLED THE DRIVE ADAPTER, AND FOUND THAT PIECES OF THE BEARING CAGE WERE MISSING, AND THE BEARINGS WEREN`T SPACED PROPERLY. PULLED THE OIL FILTER, SCRESep 23, 2002 · N22159 · Cessna 150H · Magneto/DistributorSDR CA020904010Skin · cracked(CAN) WINGS REMOVED FOR INSPECTION AFTER HARD LANDING WITH RT WING REMOVED FORWARD AND AFT WING WALKS UNDER UPPER WING SKINS INSPECTED AND CRACKS FOUND AT END RADIUS OF STAMPED STIFFENER SECTIONS.Aug 20, 2002 · Piper PA28180 · Wing, Plate/SkinSDR 2002FA0000488Switch · defectivePILOT REPORTED THE ENGINE WAS DIFFICULT TO "TURN OVER". PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE THE START POSITION OF THE MAG SWITCH. IGNITION FUNCTIONS OF THE SWITCH WERE NORMAL. THIS SWITCH WAS REPLACED 54.49 HOURS EARLIER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. INSTALLED A NEW SWITCH. OPERAApr 15, 2002 · N5002T · Piper PA28180 · Magneto/DistributorSDR CA020327003Rudder · corroded(CAN) DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION INSPECTED RUDDER & CONTROL SYSTEM FOUND CORROSION ON THE HORN ASSEMBLY ON THE STEEL PART. RUDDER REMOVED. HORN DERIVETED. PART SANDBLASTED. INSPECTED FOR CONDITION. FOUND SERVICEABLE CONSIDERING THIS SITUATION THE OWNER WILL BE AMar 21, 2002 · Piper PA28180 · Rudder Structure
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