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:

Multiple aircraft types, including Cessna, Diamond, and Piper, experienced a variety of turbocharger failures such as seizures, blown seals, cracked bearing flanges, and oil leaks.
These malfunctions frequently led to critical operational issues, including loss of engine power, reduced oil pressure, and necessitated precautionary shutdowns or emergency landings.
The reported turbocharger failures occurred at various operating times, some relatively early in the component's life, and often without an immediately identifiable external cause.