Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15306 · 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Superseded.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 2017-12-05. 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1267, dated November 28, 2006.
We are 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 high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracking around the heads of the fasteners on the forward fastener row of certain areas of the station (STA) 259.5 circumferential butt splice, and repair if necessary. This AD also requires a preventive modification, which eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report that an operator found multiple cracks in the fuselage skin of a Model 737-200 airplane, at the forward fastener row of the STA 259.5 circumferential butt splice between stringers 19 and 24. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the STA 259.5 circumferential butt splice, which could result in loss of structural integrity of the fuselage skin and possible loss of cabin pressure.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable initial compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E. “Compliance” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1267, dated November 28, 2006, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD: Do detailed and high-frequency eddy current inspections for cracking around the heads of the fasteners on the forward fastener row of certain areas of the STA 259.5 circumferential butt splice, by doing all of the actions specified in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the intervals specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin. Doing the preventive modification specified in paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this paragraph.
If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, repair in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1267, dated November 28, 2006.
At the compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1267, dated November 28, 2006, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD: Do the preventive modification in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1267, dated November 28, 2006. Doing the preventive modification terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
(i) Inspections described in paragraph (f) of this AD are not required for areas of the STA 259.5 circumferential butt splice that have been modified in accordance with the service information specified in Table 1 of this AD. (Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1076, Revision 2, dated February 8, 1990; and Revision 4, dated September 26, 1991; are cited as appropriate sources of service information for doing certain requirements of AD 92-25-09.)
| Boeing Service Bulletin— | Revision level— | Date— |
|---|---|---|
| 737-53-1076 | 4 | September 26, 1991. |
| 737-53-1076 | 3 | September 20, 1990. |
| 737-53-1076 | 2 | February 8, 1990. |
| 737-53-1076 | 1 | November 23, 1988. |
| 737-53-1076 | Original | October 30, 1986. |
Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1267, dated November 28, 2006, specifies compliance times relative to the release date of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance at compliance times relative to the effective date of this AD.