[JYO] Massive Lycoming Recall/Emergency AD only to TIO and LTIO-540 engines...

news from :http://www.aero-news.net/news/sport.cfm
Fri, Aug 16 2002
Massive Lycoming Recall/Emergency AD
ANN has learned that a massive recall of Lycoming crankshafts will idle 
nearly a thousand airplanes right away. An FAA Emergency AD Notice is also 
expected momentarily. The FAA claims that "a variation in the heat treatment 
process used during production of the crankshafts appears to be the cause for 
the metallurgical deficiency that may have led to crankshaft failure." 

Lycoming has already issued Service Bulletin SB 552, which applies "only to 
TIO and LTIO-540 engines rated at 300 horsepower or higher," manufactured 
between 1999 and 2002. Worse; engines with replacement crankshafts installed 
under AD 2002-04-51, issued just last February, may also be affected.

The majority of the costs of the recall will reportedly be borne by Lycoming 
who promises that "When Lycoming receives a SB-552 affected engine, it will 
be disassembled, inspected and scheduled for reassembly that includes a new 
crankshaft, new bearings, all consumables and replacement of any internal 
part that does not meet Lycoming’s standards. Lycoming has set up a dedicated 
assembly line that will run three shifts, seven days a week. Engines will be 
returned to service meeting all technical and quality criteria of the Type 
Certificate." 

This action reportedly affects, most of all, a number of Piper Navajos, 
Malibu Mirages, Piper Saratogas, and Cessna Turbo Stationaires. The 
forthcoming Emergency AD is intended to prevent crankshaft failure and 
subsequent catastrophic engine failure and was instigated by a fatal Malibu 
Mirage accident in Michigan, earlier this month.

Unfortunately; estimates indicate that it could take up to eight months for 
Lycomng to build the necessary crankshafts... with priority given to aircraft 
with special needs. 

Lycoming will prioritize the repair of engines as follows:


Federal, State and Municipal facilities, especially those involved in 
Homeland Security;

FAR Part 121 operators (scheduled carriers);

FAR Part 135 operators (commuter and on-demand operations);

FAR Part 91 operators (flight training and general operations).
Owners of all affected aircraft are required to replace affected crankshafts 
prior to further flight and are instructed to contact Lycoming at 
570/323-6181 for additional info. Those requiring ferry permits to move their 
aircraft to facilities appropriate to the removal and eventual reinstallation 
of these affected crankshafts, will need to contact FAA for the required 
permit needed to operate these aircraft legally in light of the Emergency AD. 


<A 
HREF="http://www.lycoming.textron.com/document.jsp?bodyPage=/support/publications/maintenancePublications/serviceBulletins/SB552.pdf";>FMI: Please
 click on this link to read the entire Lycoming service bulletin 
(in adobe acrobat format).</A>

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