TCM CRITICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 99-3

Synopsis of TCM CSB 99-3 appears below. Also available:

Synopsis

THIS LETTER CONTAINS INFORMATION CRITICAL TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR AIRCRAFT ENGINE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS LETTER COULD RESULT IN ENGINE FAILURE.

THE ABOVE REFERENCED CSB 99-3 APPLIES TO YOUR AIRCRAFT ENGINE IF EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA IS SATISFIED:

  1. Your engine is a TCM Model 470, 520 or 550 direct drive engine (either normally aspirated or turbo-charged) and the engine crankshaft was manufactured by TCM during calendar year 1998. These engines will generally have been purchased during the time period from January 1, 1998 through January 31, 1999; or
  2. Your engine is a TCM Model 470, 520 or 550 direct drive engine (either normally aspirated or turbo-charged) and had a new crankshaft installed (during overhaul or repair) that was manufactured by TCM during calendar year 1998. These crankshafts will generally have been purchased during the time period from January 1, 1998 through January 31, 1999.

If there is any question concerning the manufacture date of your engine or crankshaft, please contact TCM at 1-888-200-7565.

IF NEITHER OF THE ABOVE CRITERIA APPLIES TO YOUR AIRCRAFT ENGINE, THE ABOVE REFERENCED CSB 99-3 AND THE REMAINDER OF THIS LETTER DO NOT APPLY TO YOU.

To: Affected Owners of TCM Engine Models 470, 520 and 550

TCM has become aware of fractures in seven crankshafts produced in 1998. These fractures have occurred in crankshafts which have been grouped around three manufacturing dates. The fractures have occurred in engines with 85 to 175 hours of operation.

TCM has determined the cause of the fractures to be related to a discrepancy in the counterweight bushing installation process during crankshaft manufacture. A comprehensive review of the design and manufacture of these crankshafts has not identified any other contributing cause of these fractures.

Although the fractured crankshafts are all closely grouped around three distinct manufacturing dates, out of an abundance of caution, TCM is requiring inspection of all 470, 520 and 550 engine crankshafts manufactured during 1998. The inspection is a one-time inspection to be performed by TCM personnel. TCM has been working closely with the FAA in this matter.

If inspection of your engine is required, it will be necessary to have the inspection performed as follows:

For affected engines or crankshafts with 300 hours or less, the inspection must be performed within the next 10 hours of operation.

For affected engines or crankshafts with over 300 hours, the inspection must be performed within the next 50 hours of operation or at the next scheduled maintenance, whichever occurs first.

The cost of this inspection will be covered by TCM, as set forth in CSB 99-3. TCM has also established a CSB 99-3 special service desk to provide you with information concerning this bulletin and to assist in coordinating your inspection. Inspections may be performed at any qualified maintenance shop of your choice or TCM may be able to help in identifying sites to expedite your inspection.

If your engine is subject to inspection, TCM asks that you collect the information specified on the CSB 99-3 Contact Form. This information should then immediately be provided to TCM by contacting TCM directly (1-888-200-7565), by faxing the completed CSB 99-3 Contact Form to TCM (1-888-826-5874), or by supplying the information through the TCM web site. Click here to complete the CSB 99-3 Contact Form now. Following receipt of this information, TCM will contact you directly to confirm your inspection date and location.

Click here to see and/or download the complete service bulletin (CSB 99-3). Click here to complete the CSB 99-3 Contact Form. Click here for a list of locations where inspections may be performed. Click here for questions and answers regarding this inspection. A copy of the service bulletin and relevant information may also be obtained by contacting TCM at 1-888-200-7565. TCM will update this web site from time to time with additional information concerning CSB 99-3, as it becomes available.

This inspection is being conducted so that the integrity of the products and services you have purchased are consistent with our commitment to our customers. We strongly urge your compliance with this inspection.