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Re: Europa-List: 912 Engine Problem - Request for help

Subject: Re: Europa-List: 912 Engine Problem - Request for help
From: Fred Fillinger <fillinger@ameritech.net>
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2003 11:05:18

 > I used to have an old Cherokee with an old Lycomming 320, 1400 hrs
 > Never any problem. I felt very safe flying 30 years old plane.
 >
 > Question:
 > Is Rotax a safe Engine? Is it good for 1200-1400 hrs?
 >
 > I hope so.
 >
 > Regards,
 > Stephan Cassel

A simple check of accident database for the U.S. (NTSB) shows 13
engine failures, 1998-2002.  That's out of likely over a thousand in 
service in homebuilts and on the Diamond Katana.

One involved builder error in oil line plumbing; one a blocked fuel 
filter.  One involved disconnection of a throttle cable, another a 
binding throttle cable during a go-around.  One case not counted here 
was a throttle cable too stiff, resulting in down elevator applied 
during landing while retarding throttle, a contributing factor to pilot 
error.  But reference here the cable friction needed due to stiff return 
springs.

Nine are undetermined as to cause.  One involved a 912 run 700 hours 
past 1200 TBO, the only Katana 912 failure in the data, with notably 
3,093 airframe hours.  Two involved suspected fuel delivery problems; 
one possible 912 carb icing; one possible electric prop runaway on a 
914.  In latter case, the "snitch" software in the TCU's memory is 
revealing but inconclusive.  Two undetermined because of impact damage 
or fire, destroying fuel system plumbing, a possible cause by other 
inferences.  Two purely undetermined.

In no case were there any reduction drive, ignition, or internal engine 
failures.  This is significant because, for one popular brand of auto 
engine conversion, these causes accounted for 50% of the failures in 
this period, also about a dozen total but likely a smaller installed base.

IOW, the Rotax seems a very reliable engine if stuff is fabricated or 
installed properly, particularly fuel, oil, and throttle.

Regards,
Fred F.




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