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Output Number
R20020120
Approval Date
Published Date Time
Recommendation type
Recommendation
Mode
Aviation
Date released

Safety Recommendation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that the Civil
Aviation Safety Authority continue to examine the circumstances of
electrical discharge damage to the number-1 bearing of the Pratt
and Whitney (Canada) PT6A engine models equipped with certain TRW
Lucas starter-generators and develop an appropriate safety
assurance strategy to ensure the continuing airworthiness of
Australian registered aircraft fitted with similar engine and
starter-generator combinations.

Organisation Response
Date Received
Organisation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Response Status
Monitor
Response Text

As acknowledged in the report, the Authority has undertaken a
number of actions to ameliorate the mechanical failure. These
include monitoring the airworthiness of PWC PT6A engines
incorporating a starter-generator that is known to require
maintenance additional to that detailed in the aircraft
manufacturer's maintenance schedule.



In addition, CASA is liaising with the engine manufacturer on the
development of an insulated starter-generator drive train, with the
aim of eliminating the problem.

ATSB Response

Subsequent to the Federal Aviation Administration response to
the ATSB recommendation R20020120 the Civil Aviation Safety
Authority was asked for comment.

Date Received
Organisation
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Response Status
Monitor
Response Text

I refer to your note of 25 February 2003 to [CASA officer]
regarding the response by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
to the issue of Air Safety recommendation R20020121.



In addition to the information supplied by the FAA, CASA advises
the following:



CASA has already published a lengthy article on this subject in
Flight Safety Australia. A copy of this article is attached for the
information and consideration of the ATSB.



CASA has also issued a CAR 38 (1) Direction to commercial operators
of PT6A-60 series engines and an information letter to all other
PT6A operators.



Thank you for bringing the FAA's response to CASA's attention.