Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15441 · Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2013-15-14. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the downstop assemblies on the main tracks of the No. 2, 3, 4, and 5 slats and the inboard track of the No. 1 and 6 slats to verify if any parts are missing, damaged, or in the wrong order. This AD also requires other specified actions, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of fuel leaking from a puncture in the slat track housing (referred to as the "slat can"). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose or missing parts from the main slat track downstop assemblies, which could puncture the slat can and result in a fuel leak and consequent fire.
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
At the applicable time specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1301, dated February 5, 2008, except as provided by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection or borescope inspection of the downstop assemblies on the main tracks of the No. 2, 3, 4, and 5 slats and the inboard track of the No. 1 and 6 slats to verify if any parts are missing, damaged, or in the wrong order; and do all the other specified, related investigative, and corrective actions as applicable; by accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at the applicable interval specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
(1) Where the service bulletin specifies counting the compliance time from “* * * the date on the service bulletin,” this AD requires counting the compliance time from the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which any downstop assembly part is missing or damaged, a borescope inspection of the inside of the slat can for loose parts and damage to the wall of the slat can may be accomplished in lieu of the detailed inspection of the inside of the slat can that is specified in the service bulletin.
(3) If any damaged slat can is found during any inspection required by this AD: Before further flight, either replace the slat can with a new slat can having the same part number or repair the slat can using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
