Severe Rotax 912 carburetor floater problems

[okflyer]

Severe Rotax 912 carburetor floater problems:

Several severe engine related incidents (in Germany), including a lethal accident 4 weeks ago where a FI (I knew the guy personally) and a fellow pilot died in flames
might be related to carburetor overflow or stuck floaters of 2013 and 2014 build Rotax 912 engines. (personal assumption based on information which is currently available)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUap3vBpo0
http://www.aerokurier.de/luftsport/ultr ... fen/591604
http://www.giessener-anzeiger.de/lokale ... 588718.htm

The plastic material of the floaters seems to gain weight over time by absorbing petrol.
The only way to identify a foul floater is to weigh the device.
There are currently no floaters available which are proofed not to have the problem in the future. Therefore, the only treatment is to exchange the floaters from time to time (every 50-80 hours).
After the DULV (German RAASA) has tested several floaters himself issued a safety bulletin yesterday.
Link: http://www.daec.de/fileadmin/user_uploa ... -001v2.pdf

Rotax also finally issued a service bulletin as well.
Link:
http://www.dulv.de/_obj/984140E8-2BB1-4 ... german.pdf
http://www.dulv.de/_obj/94E7B185-84A0-4 ... german.pdf
Sorry: German only

I do not know if any organisation or vendor in SA has already targeted the issue.
The issue Is apparent for several month. Many German flying clubs are replacing now the floaters at least every 50-80 hours. Maybe due to liability issues no official comment or reaction from the vendor was available until recent (as far as I am aware of).
This thread is not intended to bash or derogate Rotax in any way; only information of fellow pilots is intended. The lethal accident I mentioned is still under investigation and no final wording has been published.

[IceAge]

I got an email from Savannah AC (John Waterson) this morning with the attached service bulletin and appears was initially sent from Niren at aviation-engines. It thus appears as if the suppliers are in fact aware of it and sending through to their customers....

The pdf is unfortunately too large to attach. I will gladly forward to anyone who is interested by email if you provide me with your details

Fly safe

[klein]

I got an email from Savannah AC (John Waterson) this morning with the attached service bulletin and appears was initially sent from Niren at aviation-engines. It thus appears as if the suppliers are in fact aware of it and sending through to their customers....

The pdf is unfortunately too large to attach. I will gladly forward to anyone who is interested by email if you provide me with your details

Fly safe

Please send to andre.olivier@exxaro.com
Thanks

[okflyer]

Severe Rotax 912 carburetor floater problems:

After the DULV (German RAASA) has tested several floaters himself issued a safety bulletin yesterday.
Link: http://www.daec.de/fileadmin/user_uploa ... -001v2.pdf

Sorry could not find the time to do it earlier:
Very rough translation of some parts of the DULV (German RAASA) safety bulletin (pls. forgive the bad grammar)
My personal comments are marked italic

URGENT Safety Notice
0 1/ 201 4
General Information
Subject: review of Rotax 912 carburetor floaters
Rotax 912 carburetor floaters, possibly only newer design
Reason:
Triggerd by various hints from the aviation community today (at the DULV)premises) both carburetor floaters were examined.
The plane (it seems to be one involved in an incident) from where the carburetor was taken, is about 3 months old and listed about 70 Flight hours.

Due to the fact that the root cause (probably for the incident) is at present is still unclear, soaking and therefore sinking floaters are suspected.
For safety reasons:
Regular review of all 912 carburetors is strongly recommended.

The investigated floaters (showed in the float chamber) show significant differences in the height of the floating objects. See pictures.
Well-studied floaters older types (dry) has a weight of about 3 grams. The investigated floaters from both
Float chambers (wet) varied from 4.3 g to 9 g.

Due to matter of urgency, the content of this document is published by the DULV without being approved /reviewed by Rotax.

[Dobbs]

Suggest that you register with Rotax (free) and you will then receive all of their safety alerts - this specific one came out in the last 10 days or so.

[fosterkane]

This thread would be better labeled "Bing" float problem. Other engines have them too. Best to look in the top of your carburetor as part of your preflight to make sure it (they) haven't sunk.