Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14712 · McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F Airplanes
McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F Airplanes
This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 28-61, dated January 17, 1978.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes, identified above. This AD requires reducing the length of the sump drain collar and replacing the fuel tank sump drain lockring for fuel tanks 1, 2, and 3; and reducing the length of the drain outlet barrel for the auxiliary fuel tank, if applicable. For airplanes with an auxiliary fuel tank, this AD also requires relocating the sump drain outlet to allow draining the sumps without opening the doors of the main landing gear wheel well. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in arcing in the fuel tank, fuel tank explosions, and consequent loss of the airplane.
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 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Reduce the length of the sump drain collar and replace the fuel tank sump drain lockring for fuel tanks 1, 2, and 3; and reduce the length of the drain outlet barrel for the auxiliary fuel tank, as applicable; by doing all the applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 28-61, dated January 17, 1978.
For airplanes identified as Group II airplanes in McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 28-61, dated January 17, 1978, that are also contained in the effectivity of McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 28-19, Revision 1, dated October 15, 1973: Before accomplishing the actions in paragraph (f) of this AD, relocate the sump drain outlet for the auxiliary tank in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Service Bulletin 28-19, Revision 1, dated October 15, 1973.
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.
