AD 2021-17-01 Requires Removing A Certain Oil Pump From Service And Replacing It

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Austro Engine GmbH E4 and E4P model diesel piston engines. This AD was prompted by a report of oil pressure loss on an E4 model diesel piston engine. This AD requires removing a certain oil pump from service and replacing it with a part eligible for installation. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective August 23, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, issued EASA Emergency AD 2021-0143-E, dated June 16, 2021 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The MCAI states:

• An occurrence was reported of oil pressure loss on an E4 engine. Subsequent investigation determined that a certain batch of oil pumps was produced with a dimensional deviation on the inner gear/shaft. The inner gear/shaft of those pumps may come into contact with the pump housing, which might create debris and cause jamming of the oil pump.
• This condition, if not corrected, could lead to engine in-flight shut-down with consequent forced landing, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, Austro Engine published the [service bulletin] to provide instructions to replace the affected oil pumps.
• For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts, as defined in this [EASA] AD. This [EASA] AD also prohibits (re)installation of affected parts on all engines.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0654.

FMI: www.regulations.gov