Sun, Dec 06, 2020
Oil Leaks From Aftermarket Oil Filter Adapters Have Led To At Least 11 GA Accidents
The NTSB says that oil leaks from aftermarket oil filter adapters have led to at least 11 general aviation accidents since 2004.
The NTSB called on the FAA to issue an AD to address an unsafe condition associated with oil filter adapters installed through a STC on Continental engines. Oil leaks from these oil filter adapters can lead to a loss of engine power if not properly installed or maintained.
After uncovering the safety issue during its investigation of two crashes in 2019, the NTSB identified nine other accidents between 2004 and 2018 in which airplanes equipped with these adapters had a loss of engine power. These accidents resulted in three fatalities and five serious injuries.
The oil filter adapter, originally manufactured by F&M Enterprises from 1996 to 2015, and now manufactured by Stratus Tools Technologies, is an after-market product that can be installed on certain models of engines; it allows owners and operators to use a conventional spin-on oil filter in place of the brass screen on the original engines. Both F&M and Stratus oil filter adapters are affected by this safety issue.
Torn and unevenly compressed gaskets and loose adapters are among the safety issues the NTSB identified in the 11 accidents. In response to these problems and other reports of oil leaks, Stratus issued a service bulletin in October 2019 to instruct mechanics on how to install and maintain F&M and Stratus oil filter adapters and to advise owners on how often they need to be inspected.
Because compliance with service bulletins is not mandatory for Part 91 operators, the NTSB is asking the FAA to issue an Airworthiness Directive to require owners of airplanes equipped with an F&M or Stratus oil filter adapter to repetitively inspect, and if necessary, reinstall the adapter to bring it in compliance with the service bulletin.
More News
Instrument Runway A runway equipped with electronic and visual navigation aids for which a precision or nonprecision approach procedure having straight-in landing minimums has been>[...]
Aero Linx: Alaska Airmen's Association The Alaska Airmen's Association includes over 2,000 members—we are one of the largest General Aviation communities in the country. We s>[...]
Also: Flt School Security, G600 Steep-Approach, Honduran Aid, PW545D Cert Two aircraft performing at the Fort Lauderdale Air Show clipped wings during a routine last Sunday, spooki>[...]
Also: SkyReach Parts Support, Piper Service Ctr, Airliner Near-Miss, Airshow London The Judge overseeing Icon's convoluted Chapter 11 process has approved $9 million in Chapter 11 >[...]
Also: Paramotor Champ's, Electric Ultralight, ICON BK Update, Burt Rutan at Oshkosh! The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out for help in rebuilding their private runway >[...]