2024-19-10: Engine (Reciprocating)

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2024-19-10 Austro Engine GmbH: Amendment 39-22852; Docket No. FAA-2024-2313; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00493-E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 9, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Austro Engine GmbH (Austro) Model E4 and E4P engines with an installed piston having part number E4A-72-400-000. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 8500, Engine (Reciprocating). (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of engine failures and an investigation where cracks were discovered on the pistons. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address cracks on the pistons. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in engine failure with consequent reduced control of the airplane and, for single-engine airplanes, damage to the airplane and injury to occupants during an emergency landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) of this AD, do repetitive borescope inspections (BSIs) of each affected piston for cracks on the piston in accordance with paragraph 2.1.2 "Accomplishment/Instructions" of Austro Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-043/0, dated August 27, 2024. (i) For Configuration E4A and E4P engines with less than 100 flight hours (FHs) since installation as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 100 FHs since installation and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 FHs. (ii) For Configuration E4A and E4P engines with 100 FHs or more since installation as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 FHs. (iii) For Configuration E4B and E4C engines with less than 200 FHs since installation as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 200 FHs since installation and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 FHs. (iv) For Configuration E4B and E4C engines with 200 FHs or more since installation as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before further flight and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 FHs. (2) If during any BSI required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any crack is found, before further flight, do the following: (i) Remove from service and replace the piston. Replacement of the engine core includes piston replacement and would satisfy this requirement. (ii) Collect a fuel sample from the high-pressure pump (HPP) fuel return line and do a fuel analysis for water contamination. (iii) If during any fuel analysis required by paragraph (g)(2)(ii), any water contamination is found, remove from service and replace the HPP, injectors, and fuel rails. (h) Definitions For the purpose of this AD: (1) "Configuration E4A engines" are Model E4 engines with an engine serial number (ESN) that begins with "E4-A- . . ." (2) "Configuration E4B engines" are Model E4 engines with an ESN that begins with "E4-B- . . ." (3) "Configuration E4C engines" are Model E4 engines with an ESN that begins with "E4-C- . . ." (4) "Configuration E4P engines" are Model E4P engines with an ESN that begins with "E4P-B- . . ." or "E4P-C- . . ." (i) Credit for Previous Actions Credit may be taken for BSIs done before the effective date of this AD using Austro Engine Authorization Request/Occurrence Reporting AR1734, dated August 16, 2024. (j) Special Flight Permits A special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to permit a single ferry flight to a location where the actions required by this AD can be accomplished, provided that the flight is accomplished under visual flight rule conditions, without passengers, and does not exceed 3 FHs. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (l) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Morton Lee, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (860) 386-1791; email: morton.y.lee@faa.gov . (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Austro Engine GmbH (Austro) Mandatory Service Bulletin No. MSB-E4-043/0, dated August 27, 2024. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For Austro material identified in this AD, contact Austro, Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 11, A-2700 Weiner Neustadt, Austria; phone: +43 2622 23000; website: austroengine.at. (4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on September 17, 2024. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2024-21804 Filed 9-19-24; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P