All Tecnam aircraft models fitted with a Pierburg-Kraftstoff electric fuel pump P/N 7.21440.53.0. These electric fuel pumps may be fitted to other aircraft types.
This Continuing Airworthiness Notice (CAN) advises operators/maintainers of Tecnam aircraft and any other aircraft type fitted with a Pierburg-Kraftstoff electric fuel pump P/N 7.21440.53.0 that there is a fuel filter fitted in the fuel inlet of the electric fuel pump. The Tecnam periodic inspections schedule in the Tecnam P92 Echo & P92-S Echo maintenance manual requires electric fuel pump filters to be cleaned every 100 hours TIS. Affected aircraft may also have an inline fuel filter fitted in the fuel line between the gascolator and the electric fuel pump.
This CAN is prompted after an in-flight engine failure which was caused by fuel starvation due to a blocked electric fuel pump filter located in the fuel inlet of the electric fuel pump body. The aircraft also has an inline fuel filter fitted in the fuel line between the gascolator and the electric fuel pump which was found serviceable. However, evidence revealed the operators/maintainers of this aircraft were unaware of the fuel filter located in the fuel inlet of the electric fuel pump body and the requirement to clean this filter every 100 hours TIS.
Recommendation:
The CAA recommends operators/maintainers of Tecnam aircraft and any other aircraft type fitted with a Pierburg-Kraftstoff electric fuel pump P/N 7.21440.53.0 remove and clean the electric fuel pump inlet filter every 100 hours TIS. This check should be carried out in conjunction with the cleaning/replacement of any other filtration elements in the fuel system. Access to the electric fuel pump filter can be gained by removing the flexible fuel line at the pump inlet and withdrawing the filter for cleaning.
All other enquires regarding this CAN should be made to:
Owen Olls
Airworthiness Specialist
Email: ollso@caa.govt.nz
Phone: 04 560 9569
