Beech C99 Airliner
Dipstick Not Secured
In cruise shortly after takeoff, the right engine low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The pilot shut down the right engine, declared an emergency and returned without further incident. Maintenance inspected right engine and found its oil dipstick was not secured and performed manufacturer’s recommended inspection. No defect found. Aircraft was returned to service.
Part total time: Unknown
Beech 300 King Air
Detached Dipstick
On preflight, the left engine oil dipstick was detached from its filler cap assembly and not visible inside the fill tube. Maintenance retrieved oil dipstick from inside oil tank. Latest configuration oil filler tube and dipstick assembly with ball check valve was installed IAW SB 72-13487. Engine serviced with oil and leak check performed before returning to service.
Part total time: 1609.0 hours
Cessna 560 Citation V/Ultra
Failed Standpipe Seal
On approach, the #2 engine oil pressure dropped and the master caution illuminated. The engine was shut down and the airplane landed without further incident. Examination revealed the #2 engine oil dipstick locking tab was not in the locked position, and the engine oil system was not sealed. Oil was siphoned out of the dipstick standpipe. Oil residue was found all over the inside of the cowling and on the engine. Maintenance reported the oil dipstick was in good operating condition, and operational checks all were all okay.
Part total time: Unknown
Cirrus SR22
Dipstick Self-Disassembly
The engine oil dipstick came apart during a routine oil change. The dipstick is made up of a cap, a flexible portion that resembles a cable and a solid end portion that has the oil level markings etched into it. The end portion is bonded to the cable. As the mechanic wiped the dipstick with a cloth, the end portion came off. The rag did not snag on the end portion; it simply came off with very little effort. A new dipstick was installed by the owner at a later date.
Part total time: 660.0 hours
Cirrus SR22
Mismarked Dipstick
Excessive oil consumption was reported. By visually comparing the dipstick with another one, it was discovered that the original part was incorrectly marked. The 2-qt. marks lined up. At 8 qts., the marks had spread to about a 1-qt. difference. With the original dipstick, filling the engine to capacity would over-service the engine by a quart, resulting in excess oil blowing out of the engine breather tube and onto the belly. The reference dipstick came from an engine that is six years older. According to the manufacturer, both dipsticks should have the same p/n but neither has a visible one.
Part total time: 215.0 hours
