Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and- 500 Series Airplanes

Résumé

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and- 500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracking and corrosion of the skin and surrounding structure under the number 3 very high frequency (VHF) antenna, and corrective actions if necessary. Also, for certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing bonded skin panels with solid skin panels. This proposed AD results from reports of cracks in the skin and surrounding structure under the number 3 VHF antenna on the lower external surface of the airplane at Buttock Line 0.0, aft of the main landing gear wheel well. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks and corrosion of the skin and surrounding structure under the number 3 VHF antenna, which could result in separation of the antenna from the airplane, and rapid depressurization of the airplane.