Turbochargers

During descent, pilot noted oil streaking back from top engine cowl louvers, then dropping oil pressure. Pilot conducted precautionary shutdown and feathered propeller. Pilot continued descent and landed at destination without issue. Maintenance removed cowling and found oil appearing to come from the turbocharger (p/n 4066109025) area. Further investigation revealed oil bypassing the seals on the turbo.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft turbochargers are experiencing frequent and diverse failures across multiple models (Cessna, Diamond, Piper), including unit seizures, blown or leaking seals, and cracked bearing flanges.
These failures consistently lead to critical operational issues such as oil leaks, significant loss of engine power, and situations requiring emergency landings or precautionary shutdowns.
The reported incidents occur across a wide range of operational hours and are often attributed to internal component defects within the turbocharger, with root causes not always immediately apparent.