This largely is true of the Rotax 2-strokes too; i.e. it is the INSTALLATION
that causes failures (and in their case lack of proper maintenance too).
It's not normally the engine per se that is the root cause of the failure.
There are various installation check lists available (not least in the
official installation manual itself) that can aid in getting it right. Plus
common sense.
Duncan McF.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred Fillinger" <fillinger@ameritech.net>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: 912 Engine Problem - Request for help
<fillinger@ameritech.net>
>
> > I used to have an old Cherokee with an old Lycomming 320, 1400 hrs
> > Never any problem. I felt very safe flying 30 years old plane.
> >
> > Question:
> > Is Rotax a safe Engine? Is it good for 1200-1400 hrs?
> >
> > I hope so.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Stephan Cassel
>
> A simple check of accident database for the U.S. (NTSB) shows 13
> engine failures, 1998-2002. That's out of likely over a thousand in
> service in homebuilts and on the Diamond Katana.
>
> One involved builder error in oil line plumbing; one a blocked fuel
> filter. One involved disconnection of a throttle cable, another a
> binding throttle cable during a go-around. One case not counted here
> was a throttle cable too stiff, resulting in down elevator applied
> during landing while retarding throttle, a contributing factor to pilot
> error. But reference here the cable friction needed due to stiff return
> springs.
>
> Nine are undetermined as to cause. One involved a 912 run 700 hours
> past 1200 TBO, the only Katana 912 failure in the data, with notably
> 3,093 airframe hours. Two involved suspected fuel delivery problems;
> one possible 912 carb icing; one possible electric prop runaway on a
> 914. In latter case, the "snitch" software in the TCU's memory is
> revealing but inconclusive. Two undetermined because of impact damage
> or fire, destroying fuel system plumbing, a possible cause by other
> inferences. Two purely undetermined.
>
> In no case were there any reduction drive, ignition, or internal engine
> failures. This is significant because, for one popular brand of auto
> engine conversion, these causes accounted for 50% of the failures in
> this period, also about a dozen total but likely a smaller installed base.
>
> IOW, the Rotax seems a very reliable engine if stuff is fabricated or
> installed properly, particularly fuel, oil, and throttle.
>
> Regards,
> Fred F.
>
>
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