Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11834 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-10A and KDC-10 Military), -40, and -40F Series Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-10A and KDC-10 Military), -40, and -40F Series Airplanes
Model DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-10A and KDC-10 military), -40, and -40F series airplanes, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A165, dated April 14, 1999; 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 (g) 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 DC-10-10, -10F, -15, -30, -30F (KC-10A and KDC-10 military), -40, and -40F series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the wiring and wire bundles of the aft main avionics rack (MAR) to determine if the wires are damaged, or riding or chafing on structure, clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips, and to detect damaged or out of alignment rubber cushion inserts of the wiring clamps; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by an incident in which the automatic and manual cargo door test in the cockpit was inoperative during dispatch of the airplane, due to wiring of the MAR chafing against clamps as a result of the wire bundles being installed improperly during production of the airplane. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that the wires that route from the main wire bundles to the MAR and associated brackets, clamps, braces, standoffs, and clips are installed properly. Improper installation of such wiring and structure could cause chafing of the wires/wire bundles, which could result in electrical arcing, smoke, and possible fire in the MAR.
To ensure that the wires that route from the main wire bundles to the main avionics rack (MAR) and associated brackets, clamps, braces, standoffs, and clips are installed properly, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection of the wiring and wire bundles of the aft MAR to determine if the wires are damaged, or riding or chafing on structure, clamps, braces, standoffs, or clips, and to detect damaged or out of alignment rubber cushion inserts of the wiring clamps; in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin DC10-24A165, dated April 14, 1999.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
Note 3: Where there are differences between this AD and the referenced alert service bulletin, the AD prevails.
Note 4: The wording “main avionics rack” in this AD and the wording “main radio rack” in the alert service are used interchangeably.
(b) If any damaged wiring is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(c) If any wire/wire bundle is detected to be riding or chafing on the subject areas during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
(1) Route and tie all wires/wire bundles so they are not in contact with adjacent wire bundles, clamps or structure, and install silicon rubber coated glass cloth wrapping on wiring, if necessary, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(2) Perform a general visual inspection of all brackets, clamps, braces, standoffs, and clips to make sure they are not bent or twisted and do not come in contact with wires/wire bundles, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. If any of these parts is bent or twisted or is in contact with wires/wire bundles, prior to further flight, reposition in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(3) Perform a general visual inspection of the clamps for proper alignment or for damage of the rubber cushion, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. If any clamp is not aligned properly, prior to further flight, realign the clamp in accordance with the alert service bulletin. If any rubber cushion is damaged, prior to further flight, replace the clamp in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(d) If any damaged rubber cushion insert is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the clamp with a new or serviceable clamp in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Process Engineering Order DPS 1.834-7, Revision CF, dated June 29, 1999.
(e) If any rubber cushion insert is out of alignment, prior to further flight, visually realign the cushion.
(f) Within 70 days after the effective date of this AD, submit a report of the results (both positive and negative findings) of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; fax (562) 627-5210. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
