Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17602 · Landing gear
The Boeing Company Airplanes
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and MD-10-10F airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated September 30, 2011.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and MD-10-10F airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the safe life limit on certain main landing gear (MLG) upper torque link bolts is reduced significantly due to those bolts being fabricated from bar stock with a machined head instead of from a forged blank with an upset head. This AD requires replacing certain MLG upper torque link bolts with new or serviceable parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the MLG and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.
For airplanes having any bolts identified in paragraph 3.B.1. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated September 30, 2011: Before the accumulation of 6,590 total flight cycles on the bolt, or within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the MLG upper torque link bolt with a new or serviceable bolt, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated September 30, 2011. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the part number of the bolt can be conclusively determined from that review. Thereafter, before the accumulation of 6,590 total flight cycles on any bolt identified in paragraph 3.B.1. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated September 30, 2011, replace it with a new or serviceable bolt.
