AD 2022-16-03 Requires The Replacement Of Affected Magneto Or Inspection Of Affected Magneto

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. GTSIO-520, IO-346, IO-470, IO-520, IO-550, LTSIO-520, O-470, TSIO-520, and TSIOL-550 series model reciprocating engines, Lycoming Engines AEIO-320, AEIO360, AEIO-540, AIO-320, AIO-360, GO-480, GSO-480, HIO-360, HIO-540, IGO-480, IGO-540, IGSO-480, IGSO-540, IO-320, IO-360, IO-540, LIO-360, LTIO-540, O-235, O-320, O-360, O-540, TIGO-541, TIO-360, TIO-540, TIO-541, TVO-435, VO-435, and VO-540 series model reciprocating engines, and Textron Lycoming/Subsidiary of Textron, Inc. IO-720 series model reciprocating engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a manufacturing quality escape of improperly lubricated roller bearings installed in certain magnetos, which may result in overheating and magneto seizure. This AD requires the replacement of affected magneto or inspection of affected magneto and, if no white grease is detected, replacement of magneto components, as applicable, and reassembly of the magneto. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective August 15, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA received a report from Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc., of a manufacturing quality escape that identified a certain population of magnetos that did not meet the design specification due to improperly lubricated roller bearings. The supplier notified the manufacturer that roller bearings installed in certain magnetos were delivered with a light corrosion preventive lubricant instead of the specified translucent white grease. Analysis by the manufacturer determined that affected magnetos assembled without the properly lubricated roller bearing have the potential to overheat, causing accelerated wear in the contact and cam follower. As a result of its analysis, the manufacturer published service information that specifies procedures for the removal and replacement of the affected magneto or inspection of the affected magneto and, if no white grease is detected, replacement of magneto components, as applicable, and reassembly of the magneto. This condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of one or more engines, in-flight shutdown, and loss of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov