The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that\noil leaks from aftermarket oil filter adapters have led to at least 11 general\naviation accidents since 2004.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NTSB called on the Federal Aviation Administration to\nissue an airworthiness directive to address an unsafe condition associated with\noil filter adapters installed through a supplemental type certificate on\nContinental engines. Oil leaks from these oil filter adapters can lead to a\nloss of engine power if not properly installed or maintained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After uncovering the safety issue during its investigation\nof two crashes in 2019, the NTSB identified nine other accidents between 2004\nand 2018 in which airplanes equipped with these adapters had a loss of engine\npower. These accidents resulted in three fatalities and five serious injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The oil filter adapter, originally manufactured by F&M\nEnterprises from 1996 to 2015, and now manufactured by Stratus Tools\nTechnologies, is an after-market product that can be installed on certain\nmodels of engines; it allows owners and operators to use a conventional spin-on\noil filter in place of the brass screen on the original engines. Both F&M\nand Stratus oil filter adapters are affected by this safety issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Torn and unevenly compressed gaskets and loose adapters are\namong the safety issues the NTSB identified in the 11 accidents. In response to\nthese problems and other reports of oil leaks, Stratus issued a service\nbulletin in October 2019 to instruct mechanics on how to install and maintain\nF&M and Stratus oil filter adapters and to advise owners on how often they\nneed to be inspected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because compliance with service bulletins is not mandatory\nfor Part 91 operators, the NTSB is asking the FAA to issue an Airworthiness\nDirective to require owners of airplanes equipped with an F&M or Stratus\noil filter adapter to repetitively inspect, and if necessary, reinstall the\nadapter to bring it in compliance with the service bulletin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The advisory to mechanics, airplane owners and operators is\navailable at https:\/\/go.usa.gov\/x7t3q<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n