Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13847 · McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Airplanes
This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes, as listed in paragraph 1.A.1. of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes. This AD requires revising the cable connection stackups for mid-cabin terminal strips, replacing the terminal strips, and removing a nameplate, as applicable. This AD also requires an inspection for arcing damage in the mid-cabin area, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by an incident in which arcing occurred between the power feeder cables and support bracket of the terminal strips. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing damage to the terminal strips and damage to the adjacent structure, which could result in smoke and/or fire in the mid-cabin compartment.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003. Although the service bulletin specifies to submit information to the manufacturer in paragraph 4, “Appendix,” this AD does not include that requirement.
(1) Revise the wire connection stackups, replace the terminal strips for the power feeder cables, and remove nameplates, as applicable, at the affected mid-cabin locations.
(2) Do a general visual inspection to detect arcing damage of the surrounding structure, adjacent system component, and electrical cables in the mid-cabin area.
Note 1: 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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.”
If any damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, before further flight, repair damage or replace the damaged part with a new part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A176, dated May 27, 2003. If the type of structural material that has been damaged is not covered in the Structural Repair Manual, before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA.
