AD 80-22-51

80-22-51 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-4080. Applies to DC-10-10, DC-10-30, and DC-10-40 airplanes certificated in all categories with Walter Kidde fire extinguisher systems installed. Compliance required as noted in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent the loss of fire fighting capability due to failure of the Walter Kidde fire extinguisher cartridge P/N 876296-01E to discharge the fire extinguishing agent container, accomplish the following:

A. Inspect and replace as necessary each cartridge installed in the engine, APU, and cargo fire extinguishing systems of aircraft with fuselage numbers 323 through 335, and fuselage number 337 in accordance with paragraphs C and D below prior to further flight unless already accomplished.

B. For all other DC-10 series airplanes, determine within 24 hours following the effective date of this AD, which aircraft have had Walter Kidde fire extinguishing systems repairs or replacements since January 1, 1980.For those aircraft on which repairs or replacements have been made, inspect and replace as necessary each cartridge installed in the engine, APU, and cargo fire extinguishing systems in accordance with paragraphs C and D below prior to further flight, unless already accomplished.

C. Identify date stamp and lot number located on the wrench flats of the cartridge.

1. Cartridges with date and lot number prior to calendar year 1980 (XX-80) are acceptable and need not be removed. Document the inspection by use of an inspection record such as Aircraft Log Book or in the maintenance records of the aircraft. No further action is required.

2. If either date is calendar year 1980 (XX-80), remove the cartridge and inspect for part number. If the part number indicated by rubber stamp on the inside shank is "01E,", remove from service and dispose of in a proper manner. If the part is identified as "D" on the shank or P/N 876296 (basic P/N), these cartridges may be reinstalledper maintenance procedures and returned to service.

D. Replace defective cartridges with cartridges having acceptable part numbers.

1. For cargo installations, aircraft may be dispatched without cargo in affected compartment. Placard cargo compartment unusable if appropriate cartridges are not available.

2. APU installation may be placarded inoperative if appropriate cartridges are not available.

E. All P/Ns 876296-01E should be removed from stock and properly disposed of or returned to vendor.

F. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Sections 21.197 and 21.199 or Part 21 of the Federal Aviation Regulations to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of inspections required by this AD.

G. Alternative means of compliance or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Chief, Los Angeles Area Aircraft Certification Office, FAA Northwest Region.

This amendment becomes effectiveApril 20, 1981 to all persons, except those to whom it was made immediately effective by telegram dated October 18, 1980.