Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D Series Turbofan Engines

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Pratt & Whitney JT8D-1, -1A, -1B, -7, -7A, -7B, -9, -9A, -11, -15, -17, and -17R series turbofan engines, that requires initial and repetitive fluorescent penetrant and eddy current inspections of 4th stage low pressure turbine (LPT) hubs for cracks, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by a report of an uncontained 4th stage LPT blade release. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent a 4th stage LPT blade release due to hub cracking, which can result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the aircraft.