Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -30, and -40 Series Airplanes, and KC-10 (Military) Series Airplanes

Riepilogo

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -30, and -40 series airplanes, and KC-10 (military) series airplanes, that requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections to detect cracks in the number 4 banjo fitting on the rear spar of the vertical stabilizer, and repair and modification of the vertical stabilizer, if necessary. It also requires the installation of a modification as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by reports of failed attach bolts and cracking found in the area of the number 4 banjo fitting, which were caused by higher than normal operating stresses. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent reduction in the structural integrity of this fitting due to failed bolts and cracking.