Continental discovered a potential assembly error affecting approximately 2000 crankshaft
assemblies. It is possible one or more counterweight retaining rings were not properly seated
in the crankshaft counterweight groove. This condition could allow the counterweight to
depart from the crankshaft during engine operation resulting in catastrophic engine damage.
Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Continental) GTSIO-520-C, -D, -H, -K, -L, -M, -N,
and -S; IO-360-A, -AB, -AF, -C, -CB, -D, -DB, -E, -ES, -G, -GB, -H, -HB, -J, -JB, -K, and -KB;
IO-470-D, -E, -G, -H, -J, -K, -L, -M, -N, -P, -R, -S, -T, -U, -V, and -VO; IO-520-A, -B, -BA,
-BB, -C, -CB, -D, -E, -F, -J, -K, -L, -M, and -MB; IO-550-A, -B, -C, -D, -E, -F, -G, -L, -N,
-P, and -R; LTSIO-360-E, -EB, -KB, and -RB; LTSIO-520-AE; O-470-A, -B, -E, -G, -H, -J, -K,
-L, -M, -N, -R, -S, -T, and -U; TSIO-360-A, -AB, -B, -BB, -C, -CB, -D, -DB, -E, -EB, -G, -GB,
-H, -HB, -JB, -KB, -LB, -MB, -RB, and -SB; TSIO-520-A, -AE, -AF, -B, -BB, -BE, -C, -CE, -D, -DB,
-E, -EB, -G, -H, -J, -JB, -K, -KB, -L, -LB, -M, -NB, -P, -R, -T, -UB, -VB, and -WB; TSIO-550-A,
-B, -C, -E, -G, -K, and -N; TSIOF-550-K; and TSIOL-550-A, -B, and -C model reciprocating engines.
This AD affect those who have had a recent overhaul of the above listed engines and is a big deal in
that it can cause a catastrophic failure destroying your engine and causing a forced landing. The AD
requires the removal of cylinders and inspecting the counterbalance weights retaining clips.
This AD was caused by whoever at Continental Motors who was responsible for installing the counter balance
weights did not make sure the retaining rings were installed correctly.
If your engine falls under this AD
you must not fly it again until this AD has been accomplished although the FAA has given consent for a one time ferry flight
to a facility for inspection under the following conditions
(k) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to permit a one-time, non-revenue ferry flight to operate the aircraft to a location where the maintenance actions can be performed, provided that:
(1) The engine oil filter pleats or screen are first inspected and there is no evidence of metal contamination; or
(2) An oil change has been done within the previous 5 flight hours, and there was no evidence of metal contamination in the oil filter pleats or screen.
The full text of this ad is available here: AD 2023-04-08
This is a another great example of why the FAA issues Airworthiness Directives.
Stay tuned for more interesting things we find during our weekly inspections!
David Johnson
David is the owner and founder of DJS Aviation LLC. His experience and guidance
has grown DJS from a small one man operation into what it is today. David has experience
with just about all piston aircraft in use today. He is a pilot and avid aviation enthusiast!
His favorite make of aircraft is Beech and he is an expert on the older V-tails! He currently
does all of DJS logbook and AD research and helps in all the day to day activities!
He is our go to person when we have questions or need advice with our inspections or repairs.
