SAIB CE-03-46 —

No. CE-03-46 July 21, 2003 We post SAIBs on the internet at www.airweb.faa.gov This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.

Introduction This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) provides safety information regarding maintenance of Mooney M20 aircraft equipped with turbocharged engines utilizing multi-segmented V-band clamps.

Background A recent fatal accident of a Mooney M20M aircraft involved the apparent separation of the tailpipe assembly from the turbocharger allowing hot exhaust gases to be expelled into the engine compartment. The pilot reported smoke and fire in the cockpit before the aircraft crashed short of the airport, destroying the aircraft and resulting in two fatalities. The NTSB investigation is looking at an apparent exhaust clamp failure due to fatigue cracks found in the turbocharger to tailpipe clamp.

Recommendation The FAA strongly recommends the following:

Comply with the Mooney recommended replacement of multi-segmented V-band clamps at the engine overhaul recommended time of 2000 hours.

During each 100-hour or annual inspection, comply with the multi-segmented V-band clamp inspection procedure described in the Mooney Service and Maintenance Manual. Additionally, if any maintenance is performed on the exhaust system, it is prudent to perform the inspection at that time. If any defects are noted, replace with a new clamp.

Comply with the Mooney recommended torque procedure described in the Mooney Service and Maintenance Manual when installing a multi-segmented V-band clamp during exhaust system inspection or maintenance.

You can contact Mooney Airplane Company, Inc., Louis Schreiner Field, Kerrville, TX 78028; Service Parts phone: (800) 336-3880, for copies of the Mooney Service & Maintenance Manual.

For further information contact Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Fort Worth ACO, 2601 Meacham Blvd, ASW-150, Fort Worth, TX 76193, Telephone: (817) 222-5284, fax: (817) 222-5960, e-mail: [email protected]

Barry Ballenger, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri, 64106, Telephone: (816) 329-4152, email: [email protected]