Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11567 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Series Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2004-05-18. Comply with the one in force.
Model MD-90-30 airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-32-012, Revision 01, dated June 2, 1998; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-90-30 series airplanes, that requires repetitive fluorescent penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the main landing gear (MLG) piston, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of MLG failures during towing of in-service airplanes due to fatigue cracks. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of MLG pistons, which could result in failure of the pistons, and consequent damage to the airplane structure and injury to flight crew, passengers, or ground personnel.
To detect and correct fatigue cracking of main landing gear (MLG) pistons, which could result in failure of the pistons, and consequent damage to the airplane structure and injury to flight crew, passengers, or ground personnel, accomplish the following:
(a) For MLG pistons, part number (P/N) 5935347-509: Perform fluorescent penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the MLG pistons, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-32-012, dated May 19, 1997; or Revision 01, dated June 2, 1998, at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 landings.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 landings; or
(2) Within 2,500 landings or 12 months after the effective date of this AD whichever occurs first.
(b) For MLG pistons P/N's 5935347-511 and -513: Within 5,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, perform fluorescent penetrant and magnetic particle inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the MLG pistons, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin MD90-32-012, dated May 19, 1997; or Revision 01, dated June 2, 1998. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 landings.
(c) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD: Repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
