AD 2021-01-03 Requires Removing Certain HPT 1st-Stage And HPT 2nd-Stage Disks From Service

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1, V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, V2531-E5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines.

This AD was prompted by a root cause analysis of an event involving an uncontained failure of a highpressure turbine (HPT) 1st-stage disk that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. This AD requires removing certain HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 21, 2021.

Supplementary Information: On March 18, 2020, an Airbus Model A321-231 airplane, powered by IAE V2533-A5 model turbofan engines, experienced an uncontained HPT 1st-stage disk failure that resulted in high-energy debris penetrating the engine cowling. Based on a preliminary analysis of this event, on March 21, 2020, the FAA issued Emergency AD 2020-07-51, which requires the removal from service of certain HPT 1st-stage disks installed on IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2525-D5, V2527-A5, V2527EA5, V2527M-A5, V2528-D5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 model turbofan engines.

Since the FAA issued AD 2020-07-51, the manufacturer conducted a root cause analysis and identified a different population of HPT 1st-stage and HPT 2nd-stage disks that are affected by the unsafe condition and require removal from service. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the HPT, uncontained HPT failure, damage to the engine, damage to the airplane, and loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov