17-30Viking
bellancaEffective Sep 29, 2026Timetable 1995–2024
What mechanics have reported to the FAA on the Bellanca 17-30 and 17-31 Viking, the airworthiness directives in force, and the NTSB accident record, on one sheet. 17-30 and 17-30A (Continental), 17-31 and 17-31A (Lycoming) and turbocharged 17-31ATC.
Top six of ten systems. Counts reflect who reports, not how reliable the airplane is.
- Registered
- 623 in the U.S., FAA registry Sep 29, 2026
- Reports on file
- 49 since 1995
- 2016–2025
- 6, about 1 a year per 1,000 registered
- ADs in force
- 37 (2 airframe, 35 engine)
- Accidents
- 126 since 1995, 23 fatal
Airworthiness directives
37 in force · 10 superseded not shown
From Federal Register final rules since 1995. Whether an AD applies to a particular airplane depends on its serial number, engine and installed equipment; confirm against the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System.
AD98-21-21Effective Oct 30, 1998Bob Fields Aerocessories Inflatable Door SealsOne-time
Overheated components in electric door seal inflation systems can cause smoke and cockpit fires on aircraft equipped with Bob Fields Aerocessories inflatable door seals. The AD requires either deactivating the system and installing a placard with AFM documentation, or removing the inflatable door seals and installing original equipment manufacturer seals or FAA-approved alternatives.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD96-18-07Effective Oct 25, 1996Bellanca, Incorporated Models 17-30, 17-30A, 17-31, 17-31A, 17-31TC, and 17-31ATC AirplanesRepetitive
A nose landing gear strut collapse occurred on a Bellanca airplane during landing. The AD requires repetitive inspections, testing, and possible replacement of the nose landing gear strut and brackets to prevent gear failure and loss of control during landing operations.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2026-17-10Effective Sep 14, 2026Lycoming EnginesRepetitive
Certain Lycoming engines contain piston pins that have failed, causing metal contamination in engine oil and engine failure. This AD requires replacement of the affected piston pin, oil changes, and visual inspection of oil system components for metal particulates, and prohibits installation of the affected piston pin.
Engine models named IO-540-A1A5, IO-540-AA1A5, IO-540-AA1B5, IO-540-AB1A5, IO-540-AC1A5, IO-540-AE1A5, IO-540-AF1A5, IO-540-AG1A5, IO-540-B1A5, IO-540-B1B5, IO-540-B1C5, IO-540-C1B5
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2026-04-11Effective Apr 8, 2026Lycoming EnginesRepetitive
Certain connecting rod assemblies and bushings installed in Lycoming engines may fail due to inadequate design, potentially causing engine failure. This AD requires repetitive oil inspections for bronze particulates and replacement of affected connecting rod bushings with eligible parts.
Engine models named IO-540 series, TIO-540 series
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2023-17-04Effective Oct 26, 2023Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. EnginesOne-time
Certain Continental engines with specific oil filter adapters installed may experience power loss due to oil starvation from fiber gasket failure. This AD requires replacing the fiber gasket with a copper gasket or stainless steel PTFE gasket.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2023-05-16Effective Mar 15, 2023Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc., Reciprocating EnginesRepetitive
Certain Continental reciprocating engines may have counterweight retaining rings improperly installed in the crankshaft counterweight groove during manufacturing, which could lead to engine failure. This AD requires inspection of the crankshaft assembly for proper installation of the counterweight retaining rings and corrective actions if improper installation is found.
Engine models named IO-520-A, IO-520-B, IO-520-BA, IO-520-BB, IO-520-C, IO-520-CB, IO-520-D, IO-520-E, IO-520-F, IO-520-J, IO-520-K, IO-520-L
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2023-02-12Effective Feb 17, 2023Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. Reciprocating Engines With a Certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. Intake Valve InstalledOne-time
Three intake valve failures on reciprocal engines with certain Superior Air Parts cylinders or intake valves have caused engine damage and emergency situations. This AD requires replacement of the affected engine intake valve.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterShow 30 older
AD2022-16-03Effective Aug 15, 2022Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc., Lycoming Engines, and Textron Lycoming/Subsidiary of Textron, Inc. Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Improperly lubricated roller bearings in certain S-1200 series magnetos may cause overheating and magneto seizure. This AD requires replacement of affected magnetos or inspection and component replacement if no white grease is detected.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-540, IO-550, TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2020-16-11Effective Sep 21, 2020Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Continental Motors, Inc.) Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Some Continental Aerospace Technologies reciprocating engines have cross-flow cylinder assemblies that can fracture, causing in-flight engine failures. This AD requires visual inspection of the cross-flow cylinder assembly and modification or replacement if defects are found.
Engine models named IO-550-G, IO-550-N, IO-550-P, IO-550-R
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2017-11-10Effective Jun 28, 2017Lycoming Engines Reciprocating EnginesRepetitive
Engine exhaust system weld joints have been cracking and leaking on these engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the exhaust system welds and torque checks of the exhaust pipe flange mounting nuts.
Engine models named TIO-540-AJ1A
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2015-19-07Effective Nov 3, 2015Lycoming Engines Fuel Injected Reciprocating EnginesRepetitive
Externally mounted fuel injector fuel lines on certain Lycoming fuel injected engines can fail, potentially causing uncontrolled engine fires and damage. This AD requires inspection and replacement if necessary of fuel injector fuel lines with proper clamping.
Engine models named IO-540-A1A5, IO-540-AA1A5, IO-540-AA1B5, IO-540-AB1A5, IO-540-AC1A5, IO-540-AE1A5, IO-540-B1A5, IO-540-B1C5, IO-540-C1B5, IO-540-C1C5, IO-540-C4B5, IO-540-C4D5D
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2015-10-06Effective Jul 2, 2015Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines (Type Certificate Previously Held by Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation)One-time
Cracked engine exhaust pipes have been reported on certain Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A engines, which could lead to engine fire or harmful exhaust gases entering the cabin. This AD requires inspection of exhaust pipes for cracks and replacement of the turbocharger mounting bracket.
Engine models named TIO-540-AJ1A
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2015-02-07Effective Mar 11, 2015Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines (Type Certificate previously held by Textron Lycoming Division, AVCO Corporation)One-time
Propeller governor shaft set screws can come loose due to improper installation, potentially causing engine and airframe damage. This AD requires inspection and corrective action on affected Lycoming wide deck aerobatic engines equipped with front-mounted propeller governors.
Engine models named IO-540-K1K5
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2014-05-29Effective Apr 25, 2014Continental Motors, Inc. Reciprocating Engines With Superior Air Parts, Inc. (SAP) Cylinder Assemblies InstalledRepetitive
Certain Continental Motors reciprocal engines with Superior Air Parts investment cast cylinder assemblies are at risk of cylinder head separation and engine damage. The AD requires initial and repetitive inspections and compression tests to detect cracks in affected cylinders.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550 series
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2013-21-02Effective Nov 13, 2013Lycoming Engines and Continental Motors, Inc. Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Certain Hartzell Engine Technologies turbochargers with specific serial numbers can experience turbine wheel failure, causing loss of engine power, oil loss, or oil fires. This AD requires removing affected turbochargers from service before further flight.
Engine models named TIO-540-AK1A
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2012-19-01Effective Oct 24, 2012Lycoming Engines Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Certain Lycoming reciprocating engine crankshafts can fail, causing total engine power loss and in-flight engine failure. This AD requires replacement of affected crankshafts as listed in Lycoming Mandatory Service Bulletin 569A.
Engine models named IO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2012-10-13Effective Jun 8, 2012Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Certain Continental Motors starter adapters may have gear shafts that fracture, which could cause oil scavenge pump failure and engine in-flight shutdown. Affected engines must have their starter adapters replaced with eligible units.
Engine models named IO-550-N
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD71-13-01Effective Mar 8, 2012Lycoming Engines Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
This AD rescinds previous requirements for Lycoming TIO-540-A series engines due to outdated service bulletin references. The requirements have been superseded by AD 2008-14-07, which incorporates the current mandatory service bulletin.
Engine models named TIO-540-A series
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2011-27-04Effective Dec 29, 2011Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Airplanes Equipped With a Certain Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)One-time
Affected airplanes equipped with STC SA1762SO may not have correct minimum control speed (VMC) markings on airspeed indicators or limitation placards. The AD requires verifying that airspeed indicator(s) and/or airspeed limitation placard(s) have proper VMC markings for the installed STC.
Engine models named IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2009-19-06Effective Oct 7, 2009Teledyne Continental Motors O-470, IO-470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, IO-550, and IOF-550 Series Reciprocating EnginesRepetitive
TCM EQ3 cylinders have been found cracking, which can cause loss of engine power and engine fires. The AD requires visual inspections of EQ3 cylinders for cracks, with removal of all EQ3 cylinders as the terminating action.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2007-16-10Effective Aug 23, 2007Teledyne Continental Motors Reciprocating (TCM) Engine Models IO-550-N, TSIO-520-BE, TSIO-550-A, TSIO-550-B, TSIO-550-C, TSIO-550-E, and TSIO-550-GOne-time
A machining defect in certain Kelly Aerospace Power Systems turbochargers can cause the turbine rotor to separate from the shaft, potentially resulting in engine power loss or oil loss. This AD requires removing affected turbochargers before further flight.
Engine models named IO-550-N
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2007-08-04Effective May 17, 2007McCauley Propeller Systems Models 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X PropellersRepetitive
Testing identified stress conditions affecting fatigue life and damage tolerance of certain McCauley propellers installed on specific TCM engines, risking blade separation and loss of control. The AD requires RPM restrictions, installation of a placard, 10,000-hour total time-in-service life limits, removal of propellers exceeding this limit, and initial and repetitive blade inspections.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2005-19-11Effective Oct 21, 2005Lycoming Engines (Formerly Textron Lycoming) AEIO-360, IO-360, O-360, LIO-360, LO-360, AEIO-540, IO-540, O-540, and TIO-540 Series Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Certain Lycoming 360 and 540 series engines have experienced crankshaft failures that could cause total engine power loss and in-flight engine failure. This AD requires replacement of affected crankshafts.
Engine models named IO-540, TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2005-12-06Effective Jul 19, 2005Teledyne Continental Motors (Formerly Bendix) S-20, S-1200, D-2000, and D-3000 Series MagnetosRepetitive
Magneto impulse coupling assemblies on certain Lycoming engines can fail, potentially causing engine failure. This AD reduces the inspection interval for riveted-impulse coupling assemblies installed on specified Lycoming engine models.
Engine models named IO-540, TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2004-10-14Effective Jun 25, 2004Lycoming Engines (Formerly Textron Lycoming), Direct-Drive Reciprocating EnginesRepetitive
Crankshaft gear retaining bolts may loosen or fail on certain Lycoming direct-drive reciprocating engines, potentially causing sudden engine failure. The AD requires removal of existing gear retaining bolts and lockplates from service, installation of new hardware, and inspection of crankshaft gear installation after propeller strikes, sudden stoppages, or overhaul.
Engine models named TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2004-05-24Effective Mar 30, 2004Lycoming Engines (Formerly Textron Lycoming) AEIO-540, IO-540, LTIO-540, O-540, and TIO-540 Series Reciprocating EnginesEmergency AD
Certain crankshaft gear retaining bolts may fail, causing loss of engine power and a forced landing. This AD requires replacing the affected bolts with improved versions using approved kits.
Engine models named IO-540, TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2003-14-03Effective Aug 14, 2003Textron Lycoming Fuel Injected Reciprocating EnginesRepetitive
Certain Textron Lycoming fuel-injected engines equipped with Crane/Lear Romec rotary fuel pumps are prone to fuel leakage from the pump relief valve, which could cause engine failure or fire. Owners must inspect pump relief valve attaching screws for proper torque and replace the affected fuel pump at or before engine overhaul with a new design pump having enhanced leak resistance.
Engine models named IO-540, TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2002-19-03Effective Sep 20, 2002Textron Lycoming IO-540, LTIO-540 and TIO-540 Series Reciprocating EnginesEmergency AD
Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines have experienced crankshaft failures that can result in total engine power loss and in-flight engine failure. This AD requires replacement of suspect crankshafts that were hammer forged with press-forged crankshafts before further flight.
Engine models named IO-540, TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2002-12-07Effective Jul 3, 2002Textron Lycoming Reciprocating EnginesEmergency AD
Oil can leak between the converter plate and accessory housing on certain Lycoming engines, potentially causing complete engine oil loss, engine seizure, and fire. This AD requires replacement of the oil filter converter plate gasket or kit, inspection of the oil filter base for leakage, and eventually installation of an improved gasket or kit to eliminate the need for repetitive replacements.
Engine models named IO-540-C4D5D, IO-540-K1A5D, IO-540-K1B5D, IO-540-K1E5D, IO-540-K1F5D, IO-540-K1G5D, IO-540-K1J5D, IO-540-L1A5D, IO-540-L1B5D, IO-540-M1A5D, IO-540-M1B5D, IO-540-M2A5D
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2000-23-21Effective Dec 12, 2000Teledyne Continental Motors IO-360, TSIO-360, LTSIO-360, O-470, IO-470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, LTSIO-520, IO-550, TSIO-550, and TSIOL-550 Series Reciprocating EnginesEmergency AD
Certain Teledyne Continental Motors engines have experienced crankshaft failures due to defects in the propeller mounting flange. Owners must remove a core sample from the propeller mounting flange and send it to TCM for evaluation.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD99-09-17Effective Sep 30, 1999Teledyne Continental Motors O-470, IO- 470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, LTSIO-520, GTSIO-520, IO-550, TSIO- 550, and TSIOL-550 Series Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Teledyne Continental Motors crankshafts are susceptible to cheek cracks that can cause engine failure and forced landing. Operators must inspect crankshaft cheeks for cracks per TCM service bulletins and replace any cracked crankshafts before further flight.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD99-04-04Effective Feb 25, 1999Textron Lycoming Reciprocating Engines IO-540 and O-540 Engines Equipped With Slick Aircraft Products MagnetosOne-time
Slick Aircraft Products magnetos on certain Textron Lycoming O-540 and IO-540 engines can experience severely worn and failed impulse couplings, which may seize the engine. Operators must remove the affected magneto and inspect the impulse coupling pawl for wear.
Engine models named IO-540-K1A5, IO-540-K1B5, IO-540-K1G5
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD97-15-11Effective Aug 12, 1997Avco Lycoming and Textron Lycoming Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Certain Lycoming reciprocal engines may have defective piston pins that could fail and cause engine failure. Affected engines must be removed from service and replaced with serviceable parts according to the referenced service bulletin.
Engine models named IO-540, TIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD97-01-04Effective Apr 22, 1997Textron Lycoming and Superior Air Parts, Inc.Repetitive
Affected cylinder assemblies can develop cracks that lead to cylinder head separation and engine failure. This AD requires removal of higher-time cylinder assemblies and replacement with serviceable parts, or dye penetrant inspections of mid-time assemblies initially and repetitively.
Engine models named IO-540-M1B5D, TIO-540-A2C, TIO-540-F2BD, TIO-540-J2B, TIO-540-J2BD, TIO-540-N2BD, TIO-540-R2AD, TIO-540-S1AD
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterADADEffective Jul 31, 1996Cessna Aircraft Company Engine Oil Filter Adapter Assemblies Installed on AircraftRepetitive
Loose or separated engine oil filter adapters can cause loss of engine oil and engine stoppage in flight. This AD requires inspecting the oil filter adapter for security and oil leakage, applying torque putty to seal the assembly, and performing repetitive inspections of the torque putty and adapter threads.
Engine models named IO-520, IO-550
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD91-21-01Effective Jun 27, 1996Textron Lycoming Model TIO-540-S1AD Reciprocating EnginesRepetitive
Cracking or distortion of engine exhaust system flanges, V-band coupling, and pipes can cause engine compartment fires and smoke in the cabin. The AD requires upgrading the exhaust system to a new design configuration and establishes inspection intervals based on which exhaust system design is installed.
Engine models named TIO-540-S1AD
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD95-07-01Effective Apr 12, 1995Textron Lycoming O-360, LO-360, HO-360, HIO-360, TIO-360, LIO-360, AEIO-360, O-540, IO-540, TIO-540, LTIO-540, IVO-540, AEIO-540, TIO-541, and IO-720 Series Reciprocating EnginesOne-time
Unapproved connecting rod bolts sourced from Superior Air Parts, Inc., have failed in certain Textron Lycoming engines, potentially causing engine failure. The AD requires removing all suspect connecting rod bolts prior to further flight and replacing them with serviceable bolts.
Engine models named IO-540-A1A5, IO-540-AA1A5, IO-540-B1A5, IO-540-B1C5, IO-540-C1B5, IO-540-C4B5, IO-540-C4C5, IO-540-C4D5D, IO-540-D4A5, IO-540-E1A5, IO-540-E1B5, IO-540-G1A5
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterEngine ADs name an engine model family used on some Vikings; check the exact model and serial. 4 more apply by part number only and are not listed.
Accident history
126 U.S. accidents involving the Viking since 1995, 23 of them fatal, with 44 fatalities. Homebuilt aircraft excluded. Counts, not rates: they follow fleet size, hours flown and how the airplane is used.
- Ground10
- Takeoff and climb224
- Cruise337
- Maneuvering65
- Approach and descent237
- Landing400
- Other or unknown10
Phase of the event the NTSB recorded as defining the accident.
- 1995–1999335
- 2000–2004206
- 2005–2009162
- 2010–2014196
- 2015–2019193
- 2020–2024160
- 2025–202631
2026 is year to date. Investigations can take a year or more to reach the data.
NTSB cause findings, 2008–2026 · share of 62 accidents with findings
- 53% Personnel issues
- 44% Aircraft systems, powerplant and structure
- 31% Aircraft performance and control
- 6.5% Not determined
Most frequent cause findings
- Aircraft controlPersonnel issues14
- Fuel: fluid managementAircraft systems, powerplant and structure10
- Use of equip/systemPersonnel issues8
- Directional control: not attained/maintainedAircraft performance and control7
- Fuel: fluid levelAircraft systems, powerplant and structure7
- Decision making/judgmentPersonnel issues7
- Fuel planningPersonnel issues5
- Angle of attack: not attained/maintainedAircraft performance and control3
- Gear extension and retract sys: not used/operatedAircraft systems, powerplant and structure2
- Oil: fluid levelAircraft systems, powerplant and structure2
Findings about systems and powerplant
- Fuel: fluid managementFluids10
- Fuel: fluid levelFluids7
- Gear extension and retract sys: not used/operatedLanding gear system2
- Oil: fluid levelFluids2
- Brake: failureLanding gear system1
- Nose/tail landing gear: capability exceededLanding gear system1
- Recip eng liquid cooling: failureEngine (reciprocating)1
- Fuel distribution: fatigue/wear/corrosionFuel system1
Wording is the NTSB’s. An accident can carry findings in several categories. Read individual investigations in the NTSB’s CAROL database.
What gets written up
49 reports · 1995–2024
The ten systems with the most service difficulty reports, by FAA system code (JASC). Fewer than 200 reports were filed on the Viking in 2016–2025, so read these as long-run patterns.
32Landing Gear Retract/Extend System816%0
Parts most often named Powerpack (1) · Relay (1) · Spring (1) · Rod End (1)
THE AIRCRAFT LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND PILOT TRIED TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR USING THE EMERGENCY LEVER. THE EMERGENCY LOWERING OF THE LANDING GEAR DID NOT TAKE PLACE AND THE PILOT HAD TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT WITH THE LANDING GEAR IN THE FULL UP POSITION. DAMAGE; PROP STRIKE, LOWER FUSELAGE SKIDDING DAMAGE, LOWER FUSELAGE FUEL DRAIN GROUND OFF, SUDDEN STOPPAGE OF THE ENGINE.
THIS COMPONENT WAS INSTALLED FRESHLY OVERHAULED ON APRIL 6, 2006 AND HAS A TOTAL IN USE TIME OF 18.0 HOURS. AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT NOTICED THE LANDING GEAR WOULD NOT RETRACT. TROUBLESHOOTING OF THE LANDING GEAR SYSTEM FINDS THE HYDRAULIC POWER PACK MOTOR WINDINGS ARE OPEN, MOTOR WILL NOT RUN. UNIT WAS OVERHAULED UNDER WO NR AH-16326. (K)
A CRACK HAD FORMED, PREVIOUS TO INCIDENT, AROUND THE BUSHING BOSS ON THE INBOARD END OF THE MOUNT PORTION OF THE UPPER MAIN GEAR LEG. THE RESULT WAS THAT THE MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED IN THE OUTBOARD DIRECTION WHILE TURNING AIRCRAFT AROUND AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. RECOMMEND THAT INSPECTION BE MADE AT CERTAIN TIME INTERVAL AND /OR IF HARD LANDING NOTED. GEAR REMOVAL REQUIRED FOR INSPECTION.
85Reciprocating Engine Cylinder Section48.2%0
Parts most often named Guide (1) · Cylinder (1) · Cylinder Head (1) · Exhaust Valve (1)
ENGINE LOG ENTRY JANUARY 3, 1991, FOR REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ALL 6 ENGINE CYLINDERS. CYLINDERS INSTALLED WERE CERMICRON CYLINDERS, FLANGES WERE PAINTED ORANGE. AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO NR 2 CYLINDER LOOSENED FOR THE ENGINE CASE. THIS WAS DUE TO PAINTED NUT SEATS. SB, TELEDYNE CONTINENTAL, NR SB 96-12, PAGE 5 OF 7, HAS WARNING OF PAINTING CYLINDER FLANGE IN NUT SEATS, SKIRT OR FLANGE. SB WAS NOT IN EFFECT IN 1991, WHEN THE WORK WAS ACCOMPLISHED. AIRCRAFT HAD ONLY 400 HOURS SINCE OVERHAUL.
71Engine Air Intake System36.1%0
Parts most often named Alt Air Door (1) · Hinge (1) · Air Door (1)
PILOT DID NOT REPORT ANY ABNORMAL OPERATION. AIR BOX WAS REMOVED AT ANNUAL INSPECTION FOR [S/N removed] AND ALTERNATE AIR DOOR FELL ON FLOOR. ALL HINGE PIN SEGMENTS HAD FAILED.
PILOT REPORTED LOSS OF POWER ON TAKEOFF CLIMB. AFTER RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT, INVESTIGATION REVEALED A FAILED ALTERNATE AIR DOOR. (X)
AIRCRAFT LOST POWER ON TAKEOFF AND HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING. AIRCRAFT WAS ABLE TO RETURN TO AIRPORT. TOWER REPORTED A LARGE AMOUNT OF BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM AIRCRAFT. DUPLICATED PROBLEM ON GROUND RUN. REMOVED AIRBOX AND FOUND ALTERNATE AIR DOOR LAYING INSIDE. INSPECTED SERVO FOR FOD, NONE FOUND. DOOR DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE ANY PIECES MISSING FROM IT. REPLACED DOOR AND RAN AIRCRAFT. ALL OPERATIONS SATISFACTORY, AIRBOX SHOULD BE LOOKED AT MORE OFTEN, POSSIBLY EVERY 50 HOURS
32Main Landing Gear Strut/Axle/Truck36.1%0
Parts most often named Strut (1) · Bolt (1) · Gear Leg (1)
LEFT MAIN GEAR WOULD NOT COMPLETELY RETRACT. FOUND THE STRUT PRESSURE WAS IN EXCESS OF 120 PSI WITH CORrECT PRESSURE. OPS CHECKED OK.
THE LEFT MAIN GEAR FAILED ON LANDING. THE LOWER SCISSOR ATTACH BOLT, BELLANCA PN 19404-4, APPEARED TO HAVE FAILED ALLOWING THE LOWER GEAR SEGMENT TO ROTATE 180 DEGREES.
AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE OF THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR LOWER GEAR SEGMENT. THE LOWER TUBE FAILED AT THE SCISSOR ATTACH POINT CAUSING THE WHEEL TO ROTATE 180 DEGREES.
32Landing Gear Steering System24.1%0
Parts most often named Steering Collar (1) · Collar (1)
WHILE PUTTING A HAND TOW BAR ON THE NOSE FORK, NOTICED PAINT FLAKING OFF THE FRONT STEERING COLLAR. REMOVED ALL THE PAINT OFF THE COLLAR AND NOTICED THE WELD WAS CRACKED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. P/N 19453-30. TT: 1,996.6 HOURS.
DURING TAKEOFF ROLL, NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE REAR STEERING COLLAR ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND BROKEN, WHICH ALLOWED NOSE WHEEL TO PIVOT FREELY. THE NOSE WHEEL PREPARED TO HAVE TURNED 90 DEGREES FROM ITS CENTER POSITION WHICH, IN TURN, ALLOWED THE NOSE GEAR TO OVERCENTER AND RETRACT. SUBMITTER STATED CAREFUL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID IN THE VICINITY OF NOSE GEAR AND STEERING COLLAR FOR FATIGUE AND CRACKS. EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN TOWING THE AIRCRAFT NOT TO EXCEED THE TOWING LIMITS.
32Main Landing Gear24.1%0
Parts most often named Leg Assy (1) · Landing Gear (1)
(CAN) DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION THE LT MLG STRUT WOULD NOT HOLD A NITROGEN CHARGE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE UPPER LEG OF THE MLG ASSY WAS CRACKED AT THE WELD OF THE TRUNNION FILLET TO STRUT BODY.
ON TOUCHDOWN, LT MLG COLLAPSED AND THE ACFT VEERED OFF TO THE LT AND CAME TO A STOP IN THE GRASSY AREA OF THE NEUTRAL ZONE OF THE RUNWAY.
74Magneto/Distributor24.1%0
Parts most often named Contactor (1) · Impulse Coupling (1)
A BROKEN CONTACT BREAKER WAS FOUND DURING TROUBLESHOOTING AN IGNITION PROBLEM. THE CONTACTOR RIVET WAS BROKEN ON THE MAGNETO. THE CONTACTOR RIVET MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY HOLD THE CONTACTOR IN PLACE. (K)
(CAN) AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED LOSS OF ENGINE POWER IN FLIGHT. EMERGENCY NO POWER LA NDING CARRRIED OUT IN FIELD. AIRCRAFT REMOVED FROM FIELD AND DISASSEMBLY OF ENGINE REVEALED THE LEFT HAND MAGNETO IMPULSE COUPLING LOCKED-UP, STRIPPING THE GEARS IN THE ACCESSORY CASE, CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE.
24AC Generator-Alternator24.1%1
Parts most often named Alternator (1) · Wire (1)
OPERATOR REPORTED DISCHARGE FROM ALTERNATOR IN CRUISE FLIGHT. MASTER SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF. AIRCRAFT LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT. MAINTENANCE DISCOVERED ONE BRUSH WIRE BROKEN AND THE RETAINER SPRING WELDED TO THE HOLDER. (X)
78Engine Collector/Tailpipe/Nozzle12.0%0
Parts most often named Collector (1)
OPERATOR REPORTED STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN COCKPIT. REMOVED COWL AND FOUND THE RIGHT EXHAUST BROKEN AT THE COLLECTOR OUTLET. ATTEMPTED A WELD REPAIR, BUT FOUND THE BASE METAL DETERIORATED BEYOND REPAIR. INSTALLED AN EXCHANGE UNIT. TOTAL TIME ON PART UNKNOWN. THIS PART APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN PARTIALLY CRACKED BEFORE BREAKING, BUT BECAUSE OF DESIGN, WAS UNDETECTABLE.
61Propeller Spinner Section12.0%0
Parts most often named Bulkhead (1)
PROPELLER BULKHEAD CRACK FOUND DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION. POSSIBLE CAUSE OF CRACK IS SLIGHT DISHING OF BULKHEAD THAT IS FLATTENED OUT WHEN MOUNT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED.
Open a row to read what mechanics wrote. Tail and serial numbers are removed.
At the pre-buy
My pre-buy card · Viking
0 of 7 looked at
The components written up most often since 2011. Take this to the pre-buy and ask your inspector about each one; tap a mark to record what they found. Saved on this device only.
- Main Landing Gear
- Fuselage Main, Frame
- Wheel/Ski/Float
- Fuselage Floor Panel
- Nose/Tail Landing Gear
- AC Generator-Alternator
- Hydraulic System, Main
A starting point for the conversation with your inspector, not maintenance advice.
What buyers get caught by
The expensive surprises on any used airplane are missing logbooks, corrosion under paint, outstanding ADs, an engine near overhaul, and the same squawk written up again and again. The card lists where the Viking gets written up; the AD timetable below lists what the FAA requires.
Ask for the logbook entries that match each item. A repeated entry is a pattern, not a coincidence.
Alerts for the Viking
An email when a new airworthiness directive names the Viking, or when reports on it spike. Alerts are starting soon: leave your email and we’ll send a confirmation link before anything else. Unsubscribe anytime.
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