Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Superior Air Parts, Inc., piston pins installed on Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines. This proposal would require removal from service of defective piston pins, and replacement with serviceable parts. This proposal is prompted by reports of numerous piston pin fractures. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent the piston pin from puncturing the engine crankcase by the connecting rod, resulting in the loss of oil leading to total power failure and possible fire, or freeing the connecting rod, possibly puncturing the cylinder or jamming the engine crankshaft, resulting in catastrophic engine failure.