Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney (PW) JT8D-200 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires installing and periodically inspecting individual or sets of certain part number (P/N) temperature indicators on the No. 4 and 5 bearing compartment scavenge oil tube and performance of any necessary corrective action. This proposed AD would require installing and periodically inspecting two P/N 810486 temperature indicators on all PW JT8D-200 series turbofan engines, including those incorporating high pressure turbine (HPT) containment hardware. This proposed AD results from five uncontained HPT shaft failures out of thirteen HPT shaft fractures. The HPT shafts fractured through the No. 4 1/2 oil return holes due to oil fires within the No. 4 and 5 bearing compartment. We are proposing this AD to prevent oil fires and the resulting fracture of the HPT shaft, which can result in uncontained release of engine fragments; engine fire; in-flight engine shutdown; and possible airplane damage.