SR20 Pilot Aborted Takeoff After Lever Sheared Off

As if all the issues with the Cirrus jet program weren't enough, the FAA has issued an Airworthiness Concern Sheet after it received a report of a power lever failure on a Cirrus SR20 aircraft.

During takeoff while the pilot advanced the power lever to full throttle, the power lever sheared off and the pilot quickly cut off fuel to the aircraft and aborted the takeoff. The operator of the fleet subsequently inspected the remainder of the aircraft and found cracks in 24 of the levers. This was done by both visual and dye penetration inspections. The time in service of the fleet aircraft ranged between 2,900 and 3,900 hours. The aircraft are utilized in training and averaged 12,000 to 15,000 landings. It was noted that the cracks occurred at the region of the power lever with the smallest cross section.

The FAA recommends operators inspect their power levers and requests they provide information about such cracks including a description of the damage, photos if available, aircraft serial number, time in service, and any prior replacement of the throttle assembly or power lever. Also include any other information you believe is relevant to this evaluation.

The Airworthiness Concern Sheet (ACS) is intended for FAA Aviation Safety Engineers to gather information and coordinate any responses.

The FAA encourages distribution of this information to pilots/owners, fleet operators, type clubs, and associations as a matter of potential safety. 

FMI: www.faasafety.gov/