EA 300Extra · 330
extraEffective Sep 29, 2026Timetable 1996–2023
What mechanics have reported to the FAA on the Extra EA 300 and 330, the airworthiness directives in force, and the NTSB accident record, on one sheet. EA 300, 300/L, 300/S, 300/SC and 300/LT, the EA 330 and the Extra NG.
Top six of ten systems. Counts reflect who reports, not how reliable the airplane is.
- Registered
- 375 in the U.S., FAA registry Sep 29, 2026
- Reports on file
- 12 since 1996
- 2016–2025
- 2, about 0.5 a year per 1,000 registered
- ADs in force
- 25 (12 airframe, 13 engine)
- Accidents
- 49 since 1995, 23 fatal
Airworthiness directives
25 in force · 8 superseded not shown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.
AD2020-16-08Effective Aug 17, 2020Aspen Avionics, Inc.One-time
Aspen EFD1000 flight display systems with software version 2.10 or 2.10.1 and no independent backup instruments may lose attitude, altitude, and airspeed information. This AD requires installing a software update to address the display failure condition.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2019-01-02Effective Feb 7, 2019Aspen Avionics, Inc., Evolution Flight Display UnitsOne-time
Certain Aspen Avionics Evolution Flight Display units repetitively reset when equipped with specific software and options, creating a potential flight safety hazard. The AD requires disabling the ADS-B In function and revising the Airplane Flight Manual Supplement.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2010-04-11Effective Mar 30, 2010Extra Flugzeugproduktions- und Vertriebs- GmbH Models EA-300/200 and EA-300/L AirplanesOne-time
An unsafe condition has been identified on Extra EA-300/200 and EA-300/L airplanes. This AD requires inspection and correction of the unsafe condition as specified by mandatory continuing airworthiness information.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2007-02-11Effective Feb 28, 2007EXTRA Flugzeugproduktions-und Vertriebs-GmbH Models EA-300, EA-300S, EA-300L, and EA-300/200 AirplanesRepetitive
Cracks have been found in the upper longeron at the horizontal stabilizer attachment on certain EXTRA airplanes, which could lead to structural failure and loss of control. This AD requires inspection using fluorescent dye penetrant method and modification of the horizontal stabilizer.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2005-11-07Effective Jul 18, 2005Extra Flugzeugproduktions-und Vertriebs-GmbH Models EA-300, EA-300S, EA-300L, and EA-300/200 AirplanesRepetitive
Fuel can flow behind the firewall in case of a fuel leak, risking in-flight fire. This AD requires sealing gaps between the bottom fuselage cover and firewall with firewall sealant, and repeating this whenever the cover is installed.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2005-01-17Effective Feb 28, 2005EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Model EA-300 and EA-300/S AirplanesRepetitive
Cracks in the upper longeron cutout-bridge can cause structural failure and loss of control. This AD requires inspection of the upper longeron cutout-bridge for cracks, repair of any cracks found, and modification of this area.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2003-17-02Effective Oct 10, 2003EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Models EA-300/200, EA-300L, and EA-300S AirplanesRepetitive
Fuel leakage from the fuel selector valve can damage the wing structure and reduce structural margins, potentially leading to structural failure. Inspect the fuel selector valve for leakage and the wing for structural damage, and correct any issues found.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD98-24-07Effective Dec 28, 1998EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Models EA-300, EA-300S, and EA-300L AirplanesRepetitive
The rudder pedal footrest may fail due to overloading of the rudder pedal safety control stop, potentially resulting in loss of directional control. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the rudder pedal alignment, safety control stop, rudder cables, and footrest, with corrective action as needed.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterShow 4 older
AD98-09-10Effective Jun 7, 1998EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Models EA-300 and EA-300S AirplanesRepetitive
Rudder control cables on some EXTRA airplanes may have incorrectly swaged Nicopress sleeves that could fail, causing loss of rudder control. This AD requires inspection of rudder cables and replacement of any with improperly swaged sleeves.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD98-06-03Effective Apr 24, 1998EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Model EA-300 AirplanesOne-time
Elevator mass balance assemblies in certain EXTRA EA-300 airplanes may fail and jam the control system. This AD requires replacement of the elevator mass balance assemblies with reinforced versions of improved design.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD98-04-01Effective Mar 24, 1998EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Model EA-300/S AirplanesOne-time
Cracked canopy latches on certain EXTRA EA-300/S airplanes can fail in flight, causing loss of the canopy and possible loss of control. The AD requires modifying or replacing the canopy latches with improved design parts.
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD97-22-03Effective Nov 24, 1997Extra Flugzeugbau, GmbH. Model EA-300/ 200 AirplanesOne-time
Seat belts on certain Extra Model EA-300/200 airplanes can fall into the rear rudder pedal controls, causing loss of directional control. This AD requires installing a seat belt safety cover to prevent interference with the rudder pedals.
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 AEIO-540 series, AEIO-580-B1A
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2022-16-03Effective 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 AEIO-540
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 AEIO-540-D4A5, AEIO-540-D4B5, AEIO-540-D4D5, AEIO-540-L1B5, AEIO-540-L1B5D, AEIO-540-L1D5
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 AEIO-540-D4A5, AEIO-540-D4B5, AEIO-540-D4D5, AEIO-540-L1B5, AEIO-540-L1B5D, AEIO-540-L1D5, AEIO-580-B1A
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 AEIO-540, AEIO-580
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterShow 8 older
AD2005-19-11Effective 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 AEIO-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 AEIO-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 AEIO-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 AEIO-540
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterAD2003-03-20Effective Mar 11, 2003Hartzell Propeller Inc., Model HC-C2YR-4CF PropellersRepetitive
Hartzell propeller hubs and blades have fatigue life limitations that were not properly accounted for in original certification. The AD reduces the certified service life from unlimited to 2,000 hours and requires removal and replacement upon reaching this limit to prevent fatigue failure and loss of control.
Engine models named AEIO-540-D4A5
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 AEIO-540-L1B5D
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 AEIO-540
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 AEIO-540-D4B5
Read the AD in the Federal RegisterEngine ADs name an engine model family used on some Extra 300s; check the exact model and serial. 4 more apply by part number only and are not listed.
Accident history
49 U.S. accidents involving the Extra 300 since 1995, 23 of them fatal, with 32 fatalities. Homebuilt aircraft excluded. Counts, not rates: they follow fleet size, hours flown and how the airplane is used.
- Ground10
- Takeoff and climb40
- Cruise43
- Maneuvering2616
- Approach and descent73
- Landing71
Phase of the event the NTSB recorded as defining the accident.
- 1995–199962
- 2000–200452
- 2005–2009116
- 2010–201452
- 2015–201973
- 2020–2024116
- 2025–202642
2026 is year to date. Investigations can take a year or more to reach the data.
NTSB cause findings, 2008–2026 · share of 28 accidents with findings
- 36% Personnel issues
- 29% Aircraft performance and control
- 18% Aircraft systems, powerplant and structure
- 14% Environmental issues
- 11% Not determined
Most frequent cause findings
- Monitoring environmentPersonnel issues4
- Aircraft controlPersonnel issues3
- Monitoring other aircraftPersonnel issues2
- Altitude: not attained/maintainedAircraft performance and control2
- Landing flare: incorrect use/operationAircraft performance and control1
- Tree(s): awareness of conditionEnvironmental issues1
- Recip eng oil sys: malfunctionAircraft systems, powerplant and structure1
- Directional control: not attained/maintainedAircraft performance and control1
- Use of equip/systemPersonnel issues1
- Identification/recognitionPersonnel issues1
Findings about systems and powerplant
- Recip eng oil sys: malfunctionEngine (reciprocating)1
- Rudder control system: malfunctionFlight control system1
- Oil: fluid levelFluids1
- Passenger/crew doors: incorrect use/operationDoors1
- Rudder control system: fatigue/wear/corrosionFlight control system1
- Rudder control system: failureFlight control 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
12 reports · 1996–2023
The ten systems with the most service difficulty reports, by FAA system code (JASC). Fewer than 200 reports were filed on the Extra 300 in 2016–2025, so read these as long-run patterns.
27Elevator Tab Control System433%0
Parts most often named Wire (4)
ELEVATOR TRIM FORWARD SPRING STEEL WIRE WAS FOUND BENT CLOSE TO THE TRIM CONTROL LEVER. THIS RENDERED THE SYSTEM UNUSABLE AND UNAIRWORTHY DUE TO THE POSITION IT WAS IN WHEN IT WAS BENT REMAINS. THE PILOT COULD POSSIBLY NOT KNOW IT WAS BENT AS IT FEELS FREE WHEN OPERATED IN THE COCKPIT. (X)
30Windshield/Door Rain/Ice Removal18.3%1
Parts most often named Canopy (1)
77Engine Indicating System Wiring18.3%0
Parts most often named Wire (1)
TACHOMETER FULL SCALE DEFLECTION ON ANALOG NEEDLE WHEN POWER SELECTED AND LOW ANALOG READING ON EGT. PROBLEM TRACED TO ROUTING OF BOTH CABLES THROUGH A FIRESLEEVE OVER THE TURBOCHARGER. THE FIRESLEEVE HAS BUNED AWAY, LOSING ITS FIRE RESISTANT QUALITIES AND CAUSING BOTH TACHO AND EGT CABLES TO MELT. PROBABLY SATISFACORY ON AN AIR COOLED ENGINE, BUT NOT ON A CLOSE COWLED, WATER COOLED ENGINE.
28Fuel Storage18.3%0
Parts most often named Fuel Tank (1)
85Engine (Reciprocating)18.3%1
Parts most often named Filter (1)
REMOVED FUEL SERVO INLET STRAINER, FROM THE FUEL SERVO FOR 100HR CLEANING AND INSPECTION. WELDS HOLDING FILTER ELEMENT TO END FITTINGS WERE COLD, LACKING PENETRATION, AND CRACKED. THE WELDS ARE DOWNSTREAM SIDE OF THE FILTER. INSPECTION OF WELDS UNDER MAGNIFICATION SHOWED MULTIPLE CRACKS, FISSURES, AND POSSIBLE MISSING WELD MATERIAL, WHICH WOULD BE PASSED DOWNSTREAM INTO THE FUEL SERVO METERING SYSTEM.
57Wing Structure18.3%0
Parts most often named Skin (1)
POSSIBLE WING SKIN DELAMINATION DISCOVERED. CRACKS IN PAINT IS REASON FOR DISCOVERY. POSSIBLE DELAMINATION AREA IS 72" OUTBOARD ON TOP SIDE OF RIGHT WING AND EXTENDS APPROXIMATELY 30" FURTHER OUTBOARD. DELAMINAITON AREA STARTS 2.25" AFT OF THE LEADING EDGE AND EXTENDS 11.5" AFT CORDWISE. ACTUAL DELAMINATION FOUND IN TWO OTHER AIRCRAFT OF THE SAME MODEL, AND OPERATED BY THE SAME OWNER. CAUSE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME, BUT COULD BE FUEL TANK RELATED DUE TO THE AREA OF DAMAGE.
85Reciprocating Engine Oil System18.3%0
Parts most often named Oil Filter (1)
AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED AT TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. THE CAUSE WAS TO A B-NUT ON A T-FITTING LOCATED ON THE METERED PRESSURE TEST PORT FOR THE THROTTLE BODY HAD WORN A HOLE THRU THE OIL FILTER HOUSING. THE THROTTLE HOUSING IS MOUNTED ON RUBBER TUBING AND MOVES THRU VIBRATION AND MAKING CONTACT. THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FITTING AND OIL FILTER.
25Flight Compartment Equipment18.3%0
Parts most often named Bracket (1)
28Aircraft Fuel Distribution System18.3%0
Parts most often named Sensor (1)
INVESTIGATED FUEL LEAK, FOUND BOTH FUEL SENDING UNITS LEAKING INTO AVIONICS BAY WITH STANDING FUEL, THIS BAY IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE WINGS, THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD.
Open a row to read what mechanics wrote. Tail and serial numbers are removed.
At the pre-buy
My pre-buy card · Extra 300
0 of 2 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.
- Fuel Storage
- Windshield/Door Rain/Ice Removal
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 Extra 300 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 Extra 300
An email when a new airworthiness directive names the Extra 300, 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.
We store only your email and which pages you follow. We never share it.