AD 98-04-15 63 FR 9732

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to AlliedSignal Inc., (formerly Garrett Engine Division, Garrett Turbine Engine Company and AiResearch Manufacturing Company of Arizona) TPE331 series turboprop and TSE331 turboshaft engines, that requires replacement or radiographic inspection, and replacement, if necessary, of certain third stage turbine stators with serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by a report of an outer band weld that cracked subsequent to a radiographic inspection required by a previous AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent third stage turbine wheel separation due to thermal fatigue cracking and shifting of the third stage turbine stator, which could contact the third stage turbine wheel and result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to the aircraft.