Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16338 · Engine exhaust
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-32R-301T and PA-46-350P Airplanes
This AD applies to the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category:
| Model | Serial numbers |
|---|---|
| PA-32R-301T | 3257001 through 3257311. |
| PA-46-350P | 4622001 through 4622200 and 4636001 through 4636341. |
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-32R-301T and PA-46-350P airplanes. This AD requires you to replace any spot-welded, V-band exhaust coupling with a riveted, V-band exhaust coupling. This AD results from reports that spot-welded, V-band exhaust couplings are failing. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the V-band exhaust coupling, which could cause the exhaust pipe to detach from the turbocharger. This failure could result in release of high-temperature gases inside the engine compartment and possibly cause an in-flight fire. An in-flight fire could lead to loss of control.
To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done:
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Replace V-band exhaust couplings, part number (P/N) Lycoming 40D21162-340M or Eaton/Aeroquip 55677-340M with an improved design Eaton/Aeroquip P/N NH1009399-10 or Lycoming P/N 40D23255-340M | At the next regularly scheduled maintenance event after July 28, 2010 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 28, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs first | Remove the spot welded V-band clamp(s) and discard. Then, do either of the following actions: (i) Install the new riveted clamp(s) and tighten to an initial torque of 40 in. lbs. Tap the V-band clamp(s) around its circumference with a rubber mallet to equalize band tension. Retorque the clamp(s) to 60 in. lbs. and again tap the clamp(s) around its circumference. Retorque the clamp(s) to a 60 in. lbs. final torque and re-safety wire the V-band coupling(s); or (ii) Install the new riveted clamp(s) follow Lycoming Service Instruction No. 1238B, dated January 6, 2010, and re-safety wire the V-band coupling(s). |
| (2) Do not install any Eaton/Aeroquip P/N 55677-340M or Lycoming P/N 40D21162-340M | As of July 28, 2010 (the effective date of this AD) | Not applicable. |
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
