Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D-1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, -9, -9A, -11, -15, -15A, -17, -17A, -17R, and -17AR Turbofan Engines

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), that is applicable to Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, - 9, -9A, -11, -15, -15A, -17, -17A, -17R, and -17AR turbofan engines. This amendment requires removal from service of certain part number (P/ N) 3rd-4th and 4th-5th stage compressor rotor spacer assemblies and incorporation of a new tierod retention configuration. This amendment is prompted by two reports of uncontained failure of JT8D turbofan engines, caused by turbine rotor overspeed resulting from first and second stage fan section separation from the low pressure compressor (LPC). The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent first and second stage fan section separation from the LPC, resulting in turbine rotor overspeed, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.