Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17743 · Wings
The Boeing Company Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2014-12-13. Comply with the one in force.
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/2C6E3DBDDD36F91C862576A4005D64E2?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01219se) does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a “change in product” alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the aft support fitting, the rear spar upper chord, and the rear spar web. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft support fitting for the main landing gear (MLG) beam, and the rear spar upper chord and rear spar web in the area of rear spar station (RSS) 224.14; and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracks, which could grow and result in a fuel leak and possible fire.
For airplanes identified in Group 1 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, do inspections and applicable corrective actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
For airplanes identified in Groups 2 through 7 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, do high frequency eddy current inspections to detect cracking of the aft support fitting for the MLG beam, and the rear spar upper chord and rear spar web in the area of rear spar station 224.14, as applicable, in accordance with Option 1, 2, or 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013.
(1) If no crack is found, repeat the inspection thereafter at the time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013, as applicable. Accomplishment of the inspection of the 12 fastener holes (locations 1-12) in accordance with Option 2, Action 3; or Option 3, Action 3; as specified in note (b) of tables 2 through 5 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013; terminates only the corresponding inspections that include note (b) in the “Repeat Interval” column of the applicable table.
(2) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (g)(1) of this AD, repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013, specifies a compliance time “after the original issue date of this service bulletin,” this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
