On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) 2023-04-08 superseding a recent mandatory service bulletin from Continental Aerospace Technologies, MSB23-01A.
This AD affects an estimated 2,176 crankshaft assemblies.
Crankshaft Counterweights and the Potential for Catastrophic Failure
The discovery of a potential crankshaft flaw in some Continental engines highlights why they must function properly.
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-04-08, superseding a Continental service bulletin, for approximately 2,176 crankshaft assemblies in specific Continental 360, 470, 520, and 550 series engines manufactured between June 2021 and February 2023.
- This mandatory AD addresses an unsafe condition caused by incorrectly installed counterweight retaining clips on these crankshafts, requiring compliance regardless of engine operating hours.
- The flaw poses a significant risk of catastrophic engine failure, including oil pressure loss and engine seizure, necessitating immediate action ("before further flight") from affected owners to prevent potential loss of aircraft.
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