Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14155 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-20 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-30 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-40 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-50 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) Airplanes; and Model MD-88 Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-20 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-30 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-40 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-50 Series Airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) Airplanes; and Model MD-88 Airplanes
This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-11, DC-9-12, DC-9-13, DC-9-14, DC-9-15, and DC-9-15F airplanes; Model DC-9-21 airplanes; Model DC-9-31, DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-33F, DC-9-34, DC-9-34F, and DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B) airplanes; Model DC-9-41 airplanes; Model DC-9-51 airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes; and Model MD-88 airplanes; equipped with SAFT America Inc. nickel cadmium batteries having part number (P/N) 021929-000 or P/N 021904-000 that were manufactured before May 2003; certificated in any category.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain SAFT America Inc. part number (P/N) 021929-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43B034LB02) and P/N 021904-000 (McDonnell Douglas P/N 43B034LB03) nickel cadmium batteries. That AD currently requires replacing all battery terminal screws, verifying that the battery contains design specification cells, and replacing the cells if the battery contains non-design specification cells. This new AD requires an inspection for certain nickel cadmium batteries and, if necessary, replacing battery terminal screws with new hex head bolts and adding shims. This AD is prompted by a report of battery screws shearing off while under normal torque loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent internal shorting, arcing, and loss of emergency battery power due to failed battery screws, which could result in loss of emergency power to electrical flight components or other emergency power systems required in the event of loss of the aircraft primary power source.
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, perform a general visual inspection to determine if a nickel cadmium battery having P/N 021904-000 (Type 43B034LB03) or P/N 021929-000 (Type 43B034LB02) is installed, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) DC9-24A195, dated December 4, 2003.
(1) If neither P/N is installed, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If either P/N is installed, before further flight, inspect the battery to determine if the battery code date is before May 2003, in accordance with the ASB.
(i) If the battery code is dated May 2003 or later, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(ii) If the battery code is dated before May 2003, before further flight: With the exception that a sticker is not required to be installed, modify the battery in accordance with the ASB.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is “a visual examination of a 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 ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normal 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 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC9-24A195, dated December 4, 2003, refers to SAFT Service Bulletin 01-02, Revision 2, dated August 11, 2003, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the modification.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane a SAFT nickel cadmium battery having either P/N 021904-000 (Type 43B034LB03) or P/N 021929-000 (Type 43B034LB02), unless the battery has been modified in accordance with this AD or the battery code is dated May 2003 or later.
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.
