Spot-welded V-band Couplings Cause Accidents; FAA Final Rule issued

On June 12, 2023, the FAA published an Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-09-09 for turbocharged, reciprocating engine-powered airplanes and helicopters and turbocharged, reciprocating engines with a spot-welded, multi-segment v-band coupling installed at the tailpipe to the turbocharger exhaust housing flange.  This AD only applies to spot-welded, multi-segment v-band couplings installed at the tailpipe to the turbocharger exhaust housing flange (it does not apply to riveted couplings).  This AD establishes a 500 hour life limit of the v-band coupling and requires repetitive inspections.  The AD contains an optional inspection in paragraph (i)(2) for only the first 2 years after AD publication so owners/operators can re-use their v-band couplings if they pass the AD required inspections, even if the v-band couplings have reached 500 flight hours.

You may view a photo of the affected clamp at: https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2023/Jul/Exhaust_Clamp.pdf

You may view the Final Rule at:   https://www.regulations.gov/document/FAA-2022-0891-0041.

For questions about the AD you may contact:
     Thomas Teplik, Aviation Safety Engineer
     Central Certification Branch, FAA
     1801 S Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209
     Phone: (316) 946–4196; email: thomas.teplik@faa.gov