Service difficulty report · Fitting · Piper PA31

Difficulty date
September 8, 1998
Submitted
March 26, 2000
Operation
General aviation
Make and model
Piper PA31
Engine
Lyc TIO540A2C
Part
Fitting
Part number
LW12690
Condition
Restricted
Location
Turbocharger
Stage of operation
CR
Nature of condition
R, J
Precautionary procedure
E, A

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

(CAN) DURING CRUISE,THE NR 2 ENGINE LOST THE TURBO AND WENT NORMALLY ASPIRATED. SMOKE WAS OBSERVED COMING FROM THE EXHAUST, SO A PRECAUTIONARY SHUTDOWN WAS CARRIED OUT, DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF OIL LOSS FROM THE TURBO. POST-FLIGHT INSPECTION REVEALED NO LOSS OF OIL FROM THE TURBO. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE RUNNING RICH DUE TO LOSS OF TURBO BOOST PRESSURE. THE TURBOCHARGER WAS FOUND TO HAVE FAILED BEARINGS. FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND THE OIL INLET RESTRICTED FITTING WAS 90 PERCENT PLUGGED, CAUSING LOSS OF OIL SUPPLY TO THE TURBO. THE TURBOCHARGER WAS REPLACED AND THE AICRAFT RETURNED TO SERVICE.

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