AD/SMA/2 Engine Electronic Control Unit (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

SMA Piston Engines

AD/SMA/2 Engine Electronic Control Unit 13/2006 TX

Applicability:	All aircraft with a Société de Motorisations Aéronautiques (SMA) SR305-230 or SR305-230-1 engine equipped with an electronic control unit (ECU) having a serial number (S/N) of 131 and below, except S/N 70, 71, 83 and 88.
Note 1:  These engines are known to be installed on, but not limited to, Cessna 182 aeroplanes.
Requirement:	1.    Determine the serial number of the ECU installed on the aircraft.
2.    If the ECU S/N is determined to be 131 or below, with the exception ECU S/N 70, 71, 83 and 88:
a.     Do not operate the engine unless in accordance with restriction noted below.
b.    Remove and replace the ECU with an ECU having a serial number of 132 or above, in accordance with the SMA Service Bulletin SB-01-76-004 dated 10 October 2006 or later EASA approved revisions.
One ferry flight to a location capable of completing the ECU replacement is allowed. The pilot should be ready to react appropriately to a sudden power increase.
Note 2:  EASA Emergency AD 2006-0312-E refers.
Compliance:	For Requirement 1 - Before further flight after 17 October 2006.
For Requirement 2 - After the Requirement 1.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 17 October 2006.
Background:	The European Aviation Safety Agency has been advised by the engine manufacturer that over a period of time, the alteration of one ECU electronic component can cause a rapid uncontrolled power increase.  Several occurrences have already been reported during engine start or during engine warm-up.  This could result in loss of control of the aircraft.

This Directive requires the aircraft to be inspected to determine the ECU S/N and, if necessary, the replacement of the ECU.  The Directive also allows a one time flight to a location capable of effecting replacement of the ECU.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

16 October 2006