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 Continental's service bulletin, for an estimated 2,176 crankshaft assemblies in certain 360, 470, 520, and 550 series engines manufactured between June 2021 and February 2023.
- The AD addresses an unsafe condition caused by incorrectly installed crankshaft counterweight retaining clips, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure, engine seizure, and loss of aircraft.
- Compliance with the mandatory AD is required "before further flight" for all affected engines, regardless of operating hours, due to the severe potential consequences.
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