Airworthiness Directives; Textron Lycoming and Superior Air Parts, Inc.

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-01-04 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Textron Lycoming TIO- 540, LTIO-540, and IO-540 series reciprocating engines with certain Superior Air Parts, Inc. Parts Manufacture Approval (PMA) replacement cylinder assemblies installed by individual letters. This AD requires removal from service of affected cylinder assemblies for higher time cylinder assemblies and replacement with serviceable parts, and initial and repetitive dye penetrant inspections for mid-time cylinder assemblies, or replacement with serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by a report of an inflight engine failure of a Textron Lycoming TIO-540 reciprocating engine with affected Superior Air Parts, Inc. PMA cylinder assemblies installed. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent cylinder head separation, inflight loss of power, possible engine failure, and fire.