Airbus A340 operators are starting checks of CFM56 engines for mis-assembled brackets after the US Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) following the discovery of fuel leaks on aircraft operated by Air France and Aerolineas Argentineas.
The FAA says the AD was prompted by reports of a "significant engine fuel leak under the thrust reverser cowls at the fuel manifold level". The fuel came from a hole in the manifold pigtail which resulted from chafing between the unit and the mis-assembled harness holding the high pressure turbine clearance control sensor lead. The FAA says the condition, if uncorrected, could result in "fuel leakage in the hot section or primary fire zone of the engine and result in an engine fire".
CFM International confirms the AD covers approximately 800 engines, and adds the problem results from mis-assembly after maintenance rather than from the production line. The inspections are likely to be completed by the end of the month, says CFM.
Source: Flight International
