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Pratt & Whitney has identified sensor damage as the cause of multiple in-service incidents on 94 in.-fan PW4000s, and the FAA plans to mandate the manufacturer’s recommended remedy.
The incidents, including tailpipe fire, loss of thrust control, or engine inflight shutdown, were traced back to pressure burner sensor damage “due to epoxy deterioration,” a draft FAA mandate set for publication on May 26 reveals. The damage “can lead to erroneous ... sensor measurements and incorrect fuel commands.”
Pratt informed operators of the issue in 2025 and recommended replacing the sensors. Its recommended time frame is within 10-30 months, depending on the engine’s service history.
The FAA plans to mandate Pratt’s recommendations and proposed schedule.
The directive would affect 210 engines on U.S.-registered aircraft.
Specific models affected are the PW4052, PW4056, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A, PW4158, PW4460, and PW4462.
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