FAA orders AD on Austro diesel engines
The FAA has adopted an airworthiness directive calling for the replacement of the timing chain and fuel injectors on Austro Engine GmbH models E4 and E4P diesel piston engines that are used on aircraft including some Diamonds.
The AD, which was proposed on March 20 and takes effect August 25, was prompted by “reports of considerable wear of the timing chain and failure of fuel injectors.” It affects an estimated 263 engines on U.S.-registered aircraft.
In February 2019, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued an AD that noted that the affected engines “are known to be installed on, but not limited to, Diamond Aircraft Industries DA40 NG, DA42 NG, DA42 M-NG and DA 62” aircraft.
EASA said the reason for ordering the AD was in response to recent action by Austro Engine to introduce life limits on the engine timing chain and fuel injectors.
In a separate AD that takes effect August 31, the FAA will require the amendment of certain existing airplane flight manuals to limit the use of windmill restarts of Austro Engine GmbH model E4 engines and all Austro Engine GmbH model E4P engines, an action the agency first proposed in a notice published on March 17.
