Fuel-injected Lycoming rollbacks prompt FAA concern
Cessna 172, Piper Archer among affected models
Uncommanded shutdowns affecting Lycoming IO-360 engines when throttled to idle prompted the FAA to seek additional information from owners and operators of many popular trainers.
An airworthiness concern sheet issued December 16 requests details about any engine rollbacks during ground or flight operations, including actions performed and outcomes. The fuel-injected four-cylinder IO-360 is installed on recent models including the Cessna 172S/172R, Piper Archer III and Pilot 100i; and Piper Seminole twins. Operators and maintenance personnel who work on IO-360 engines are asked to provide any information on uncommanded shutdowns, even if they do not involve the AVStar vertical- or horizontal-mounted fuel servos installed in cases reported so far.
The ACS is a tool the FAA uses to gather information about a potential safety issue that is under investigation, and can lead to a variety of resolutions including a possible airworthiness directive. The notice seeks information within 90 days, indicating the FAA does not consider the matter an emergency or rising to the level that would prompt an alert.
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