DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0380;
Product Identifier 2018–NE–14–AD;
Amendment 39– 19267;
AD 2018–09–10] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives;
CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY:

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all CFM International S.A. (CFM) Model CFM56–7B engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the concave and convex sides of the fan blade dovetail to detect cracking and replacement of any blades found cracked.

This AD was prompted by a recent engine failure due to a fractured fan blade, that resulted in the engine inlet cowl disintegrating and debris penetrating the fuselage, causing a loss of pressurization, and prompting an emergency descent. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

This AD is effective May 14, 2018.
The Director