AD 97-26-08 62 FR 66266

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Mooney Aircraft Corporation (Mooney) Models M20F, M20J, and M20L airplanes. This action requires removing the fuel cap retaining lanyard from the fuel filler cap assemblies. A report of lost engine power during flight because of fuel starvation prompted the action. The investigation revealed that the airplane fuel float became trapped by the fuel cap retaining lanyard, keeping the float from following the fuel level. This condition caused the pilot to get a false fuel quantity reading. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of engine power and fuel depletion during flight caused by a false fuel gauge reading.