Document
OAS-43A (12/12)
Interagency Aviation
Accident Prevention Bulletin
No. IA APB 24-02 January 17, 2024 Page 1 of 2 Subject : Aircraft Servicing Area of Concern: Multi-Tasking During Maintenance Tasks Distribution : All Aviation Operations Discussion : Recently, a pilot of a Cessna 206, equipped with a Continental IO-550 engine, was adding oil into the engine during a preflight inspection. The pilot used a long neck “transmission” style funnel that was narrow and long which unknowingly enabled it to slip into the engine crank case. While the oil drained into the filler neck through the funnel, the pilot conducted other preflight tasks in preparation for flight.
The pilot began to move the propeller to properly inspect the upper blade. After moving the propeller through approximately 20 degrees, the pilot heard a loud snap. The pilot removed the funnel from the filler neck and noticed that the bottom 1 to 1.5 inches of plastic near the tip of the funnel had been sheared off by internal engine components when the propeller was rotated.
Figure 1 Close up of the Cessna 206 oil system.
Figure 2 Long neck transmission funnel with cracked end.
The OAS maintenance department was notified, and they conducted an inspection which revealed several pieces of plastic inside the case that necessitated major engine maintenance to remove.
No. IA APB 24-02 January 17, 2024 Page 2 of 2 When adding oil to any engine it is important to be aware of how far the funnel will travel into the engine case. One recommendation is to measure and/or cut the tip of the funnel so that it’s physically limited from penetrating too far into the engine.
As an added precaution, moving the propeller as part of a preflight, should be avoided while a funnel or oil bottle neck is inserted into the engine.
Many pilots multi-task during preflight activities to be more efficient, however, multi-tasking can hinder your performance as it divides our attention and makes it harder to give our full attention to each individual task that deserves it.
Here are a few pros and cons of multitasking: Pros: Cons: • Better time-management. • Lower efficiency.
• Higher productivity. • Memory can become compromised.
• Better reaction to complex tasks. • Greater risk of errors.
• Increased responsibilities. • Heightened stress levels.
Eyes on Task. Mind on Task. Proper aircraft servicing and aircraft pre-flighting are critical for flight safety. Make sure you have the proper equipment when servicing the aircraft and please, don’t multi-task, give the preflight your undivided attention.
s/ Keith Raley /s/ Lori Clark Keith Raley Lori Clark Chief, Aviation Safety, Training, Program Branch Chief Evaluation, and Quality Management Aviation Safety Management Systems DOI, Office of Aviation Services USDA, Forest Service