Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14036 · Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2014-22-06. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1241, dated June 13, 2002.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed and eddy current inspections to detect cracking of the frame web around the cutout for the doorstop intercostal strap at the aft side of the body station 291.5 frame at stringer 16R, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the web of the body station 291.5 frame near the forward galley door. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the aft frame and frame support structure of the forward galley door, which could result in a severed fuselage frame web, rapid decompression of the airplane, and possible loss of the forward galley door.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Prior to the accumulation of 40,000 total flight cycles, or within 2,250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection and an eddy current inspection to detect cracking of the frame web around the cutout for the doorstop intercostal strap at the aft side of the body station 291.5 frame at stringer 16R, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1241, dated June 13, 2002. If no cracking is found, repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”
If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, and the bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the crack according to a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or according to data meeting the certification basis of the airplane approved by an Authorized Representative (AR) for the Boeing Delegation Option Authorization (DOA) Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD.
