Summary
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-31P airplanes. AD 76-06-09 currently requires repetitive inspection of certain exhaust system parts with replacement of parts mating with the turbocharger, as necessary, and allows installation of a certain tailpipe v-band coupling as terminating action. Since we issued AD 76- 06-09, there have been reports of exhaust system failures, the manufacturer issued new service information, and the tailpipe v-band coupling used for terminating action is obsolete. This proposed AD would require the use of the new service information and expand the scope of the inspections of the turbocharger exhaust system. We are proposing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.