FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive Targets PW4000 Sensor Flaw Linked to Tailpipe Fires and In-Flight Shutdowns
The FAA has issued a proposed airworthiness directive requiring replacement of pressure burner sensors on several Pratt & Whitney PW4000 turbofan variants following multiple incidents of tailpipe fires, loss of thrust control, and in-flight engine shutdowns. The directive would affect 210 US-registered aircraft including Boeing 747-400s, 767s, and MD-11 Freighters. Sensor deterioration causes erroneous readings leading to incorrect fuel commands. Pratt & Whitney has already issued service bulletins aligned with the proposed rule, and no groundings are anticipated.
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Impact verdict
Medium impact. The directive affects 210 US-registered aircraft requiring mandated sensor replacements at cost to operators, with prior incidents of in-flight shutdowns and tailpipe fires representing hull and liability exposure; however, no groundings are required and the remediation is structured around scheduled maintenance cycles, limiting acute loss potential.
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