Power lever fracture prompts Cirrus concern

An airworthiness concern sheet released August 16 requests prompt reports from aircraft owners and operators of Cirrus SR20, SR22, and SR22T models. The FAA "recently" received a report of the power lever fracture, according to the ACS, which took place as the pilot of a training aircraft advanced the throttle for takeoff. "The power lever sheared and the pilot quickly cut fuel to the aircraft and aborted the takeoff," the ACS notes. "The fleet operator subsequently inspected the remainder of their aircraft and found cracks in 24 of the levers through visual and dye penetrant inspections."

The aircraft found with cracked power levers were all in regular flight training use, having accumulated between 2,900 and 3,900 hours in service and between 12,000 and 15,000 landings. "The failure and cracks were noted to occur at the region of the lever that has the smallest cross section," the FAA wrote.

The FAA has not determined what further action may be required, and the agency notes its "final determination will depend in part on the information received in response to this ACS."

The FAA recommends that Cirrus piston airplane operators inspect the power lever and provide the agency information about their findings, including a description of any damage found, photos, and aircraft details including serial number and time in service. Responses are requested within 10 days.

AOPA works with the FAA to distribute ACS such as this as widely as possible to aircraft owners, and invites interested parties to complete a short online form (name and email only) that enables AOPA to automate distribution of future ACS as they are issued. Those who enroll in this free service (including nonmembers) will receive all ACS documents directly, for all aircraft. Recipients who determine they are affected, or have relevant information to share, should contact the FAA representative designated on each ACS directly.

In the case of the Cirrus power lever ACS, that is FAA Aviation Safety Coordinator Kristi Bradley, whose email and other contact information are listed in the document.