Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-10291 · Certain Textron Lycoming 320 and 360 Series Reciprocating Engines
Certain Textron Lycoming 320 and 360 Series Reciprocating Engines
Textron Lycoming 320 series limited to 160 horsepower, and 360 series, four cylinder reciprocating engines with fixed pitch propellers; except for the following installed in helicopters or with solid crankshafts: HO-360 series, HIO-360 series, LHIO-360 series, VO-360 series, and IVO-360 series, and Models O-320-B2C, O-360-J2A, AEIO-360-B4A, O-360-A4A, -A4G, -A4J, - A4K, -A4M, and -C4F. In addition, engines with crankshafts containing "PID" stamped on the outside diameter of the propeller flange are exempt from the inspection requirements of this AD. The affected engines are installed on but not limited to reciprocating engine powered aircraft manufactured by Cessna, Piper, Beech, American Aircraft Corporation, Grumman American Aviation, Mooney, Augustair Inc., Maule Aerospace Technology Corporation, Great Lakes Aircraft Co., and Commander Aircraft Co.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Textron Lycoming 320 and 360 series reciprocating engines, that requires visual inspections of the inside diameter (ID) of the crankshaft for corrosion pits, and if corrosion pits are found during this inspection, prior to further flight, performing a magnetic particle inspection (MPI) or fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the ID for cracks. In addition, this AD requires reporting findings of inspections to the FAA. Finally, terminating action to the inspections of this AD is the application of a preventive treatment coating on non- corroded crankshafts to prevent corrosion. This amendment is prompted by reports of cracks in crankshafts originating from corrosion pits in the ID. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent crankshaft failure, which can result in engine failure, propeller separation, forced landing, and possible damage to the aircraft.
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.