Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 Series Turbofan Engines

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 series turbofan engines, that requires initial and repetitive fluorescent magnetic particle inspections or fluorescent penetrant inspections of the combustion chamber outer case (CCOC) for cracks, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. Also, this AD requires a one-time boss material verification, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. Finally, this AD requires replacement of CCOCs with welded-on bosses with improved, one-piece CCOCs. Installation of the one-piece CCOC constitutes terminating action to the inspection requirements of this AD. This amendment is prompted by a report of an uncontained engine failure caused by fatigue cracks originating at the weld joining the drain boss to the CCOC. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent CCOC cracks, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.