Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18473 · Wings
The Boeing Company Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2020-10-10. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes, and Model MD-88 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive eddy current high frequency (ETHF) inspections for any cracking in the left and right side center wing lower skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking at certain stringers, associated end fittings, and skins in the center wing fuel tank where the stringers meet the end fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the center wing lower skin. Such cracking could cause structural failure of the wings.
Except as required by paragraph (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-57A244, dated March 3, 2016: Do an eddy current high frequency (ETHF) inspection for any cracking in the left and right side center wing lower skin, and do all applicable corrective actions; except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at the intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-57A244, dated March 3, 2016.
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-57A244, dated March 3, 2016, 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.
(2) The Condition column of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-57A244, dated March 3, 2016, refers to total flight cycles “as of the original issue date of this service bulletin.” This AD, however, applies to the airplanes with the specified total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD.
(3) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD80-57A244, dated March 3, 2016, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action, and specifies that action as “RC” (Required for Compliance): Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
