Volcanic Ash - Lycoming TEO-540-A1A Installation And Operation Manual

TEO-540-A1A Engine Installation and Operation Manual

Volcanic Ash

• Given the dynamic conditions of volcanic ash, Lycoming's recommendation is NOT to
operate the engine in areas where volcanic ash is present - in the air or on the ground. Refer
to the latest revision of Service Instruction No. SI-1530 for any new details.
• Ash on the ground and runways can cause contamination in the engine compartment and
subsequent engine damage during aircraft landing or take-off.
• Piston engines can be damaged by inlet air contaminated with volcanic ash. Solid deposits
from any number of sources can collect on engine baffles or other engine surfaces and
prevent engine cooling. Accumulation of deposits on the induction air filter can restrict or
block air flow to the engine and significantly decrease engine power. Contamination of
engine oil can cause engine malfunction and/or failure from abrasive wear.
• In the event that flight through volcanic ash clouds or with ash on the ground and subsequent
contamination occurs, Lycoming Engines recommends the following standard actions:
1. Monitor the engine temperature during flight (damaged or blocked cooling baffles or
heavy deposits on engine cooling surfaces can decrease cooling efficiency and cause
engine overheating).
2. If the engine is not operating smoothly in flight, make a safe landing of the aircraft as
soon as possible and isolate faults on the engine.
CAUTION
3. Additional measures could be necessary under specific operating conditions. Refer to the
TEO-540-A1A Engine Maintenance Manual for corrective action.
Overspeed
• In engine overspeed, the engine operates above its rated rpm speed (Appendix A). Operation
of an engine above its rated rpm can cause accelerated wear on already stressed components.
Momentary overspeed can occur during a landing attempt, when the propeller governor is in
a lag as the power control is suddenly opened for a go-around. In fixed wing aircraft,
momentary overspeed is an increase of no more than 10% of rated engine rpm for a period
not exceeding 3 seconds.
CAUTION
• The EECS will attempt to limit overspeed events by cutting ignition and fuel to cylinders
until engine speed is brought within rated operating limits. As this automatic corrective
action occurs, the engine can operate roughly with unusual engine/airframe vibration. This
vibration is temporary and is not an indication of engine malfunction.
• If the engine overspeed event continues uncorrected by the EECS for more than 1 minute,
complete a safe landing of the aircraft as soon as possible.
• Although the EECS limits instances of engine overspeed, overspeed still can occur in a
"dive" or steep descent.
© 2018 Avco Corporation. All Rights Reserved
October 2018
DO NOT TOUCH THE VOLCANIC ASH WITH BARE HANDS. DO
NOT USE WATER TO REMOVE THE VOLCANIC ASH.
DO NOT OPERATE AN ENGINE CONTINUOUSLY AT AN OVERSPEED
RATE BECAUSE IT CAN WEAR OUT ENGINE PARTS AND
EVENTUALLY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE.
Engine Conditions
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