The NTSB has issued a safety recommendation on the F&M series of oil filter adapters used on a range of piston aircraft engines. Pilots and owners of aircraft using the adapters should be aware of the report and take action as needed. The oil filter adapter allows the use of a spin-on oil filter—rather than the manufacturer’s brass oil screen—on Continental engines found in popular singles and twins, such as certain Beechcraft Bonanzas, Barons, and Debonairs; Cessna singles and the 310, Maules, the Mooney M20K, and Piper Arrows and Seneca IIs.
NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation on F&M Oil Filter Adapters
Key Takeaways:
- The NTSB has issued a safety recommendation regarding F&M series oil filter adapters due to multiple oil starvation accidents in piston aircraft engines, often linked to improper installation and inadequate torque.
- These adapters, found on various Continental-powered general aviation aircraft, were the subject of a mandatory service bulletin (SB-001) issued by current manufacturer Stratus Tool Technologies in 2019.
- The NTSB's report critically emphasizes that all operators, including those under Part 91, should review and comply with this service bulletin prior to further flight to ensure safety and prevent similar failures.
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