davebaker123

A definite trend in the PA-32 fleet. Engines are conking out on the old ‘six’, and these planes are crashing. There are other causal factors, but this particular one seems to be mentioned lately. The Lycomings (260/300HP) bolted on these venerable birds were considered bullet proof, but something’s wearing out or not installed correctly to cause loss of power. Beech BE-58s are starting to appear somewhat frequently in accident reports, but they’re not showing a common causal factor.

Will_Alibrandi

How many accidents are behind this “trend”? Also, not sure if you’re tying the two together, but the Baron has Continental 520/550s.

1 reply

frank.tino

Where, in this GA Accident Bulletin issue of 31 OCT does it mention " Piper PA -32 " type aircraft?
The types mentioned in this bulletin are the Socata TB-21, Cessna T-337G Turbo Skymaster, an RV-9A, and a Casa C- 212 twin.
" A definite trend in the PA-32 fleet. Engines are conking out on the old ‘six’, and these planes are crashing- David B."

2 replies

frank.tino

Now regarding Continental GTSIO-520 series and 550 engines more to the factual point-- An airworthiness directive issued in 2020 affecting thousands of high-power Continental piston engines may not have solved the problem, and the FAA published an airworthiness concern sheet October 25,2022 seeking additional information.

The FAA cited multiple reports of cracked cylinders involving aircraft that complied with the 2020 AD as the basis of concern that the AD “is not sufficiently resolving the issue” leading to fractured crossflow cylinder assemblies. Affected models include the GTSIO-520-C, D, H, K, L, M, N; IO-550-G, N, P, R; IOF-550-N, P, R; TSIO-520-BE; TSIO-550-A, B, C, E, G, K, N; and TSIOF-550-D, J, K, P with cylinder heads produced on or after November 1, 2014, and serial numbers prior to AC18KB277. As of 2020, that amounted to more than 4,000 aircraft, including Cirrus SR22s and Beechcraft Bonanzas.
The 2020 AD was issued based on six reports of in-flight engine failure caused by fractured crossflow cylinder assemblies that resulted in loss of oil pressure and engine power, leading to forced landings.

The FAA seeks detailed information from affected owners including serial numbers, dates of AD-related maintenance, and whether fractures have persisted. Responses are requested within 30 days.

davebaker123

I know the Baron has Continentals. But they’re also trending in accident frequency with the PA-32s.

davebaker123

There’s a bunch. Between 2021 and 2022, I counted six engine-loss-of-power mishaps with the PA-32.

davebaker123

Nowhere are PA-32s mentioned, but they should be. Something’s up with those Lycoming engines, and hopefully whatever it is will be discovered by the NTSB, or some sharp mechanic.