Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16334 · Wings
The Boeing Company Model 777-200LR and -300ER Series Airplanes
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200LR and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0069, dated November 5, 2009.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 777-200LR and -300ER series airplanes. This AD requires doing a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the keyway of the fuel tank access door cutout on the left and right wings between wing rib numbers 8 (wing station 387) and 9 (wing station 414.5), and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of cracks emanating from the keyway of the fuel tank access door cutout of the lower wing skin between wing rib numbers 8 and 9. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the lower wing skin load path, which could cause catastrophic structural failure of the wing.
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 time specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, do a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the keyway of the fuel tank access door cutout on the left and right wings between wing rib numbers 8 (wing station 387) and 9 (wing station 414.5), and do all applicable corrective actions including applicable related investigative action (an HFEC inspection for cracking of machined areas), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0069, dated November 5, 2009, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
(1) For Group 1, Configuration 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0069, dated November 5, 2009: Before the accumulation of 3,500 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes and Group 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0069, dated November 5, 2009, on which a crack was found in the cutout keyway when the cutout keyway was changed: Within 1,125 days after the effective date of this AD.
Note 1: For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes and Group 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0069, dated November 5, 2009, on which no crack was found in the cutout keyway when the cutout keyway was changed: No further action is required by this AD.
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0069, dated November 5, 2009, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
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.
Aircraft
