AD 84-22-03

84-22-03 McDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-4952. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, -50, and C-9 (Military) series airplanes which have been modified in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 57-118 and/or production equivalent, certificated in all categories. Compliance required as indicated unless previously accomplished.

To detect cracked wing flap outboard hinge lower stud(s) due to hydrogen embrittlement, and prevent failure of the wing hinge bracket, accomplish the following:

A. Prior to the accumulation of 10,400 landings or within 400 landings, whichever occurs later, from effective date of this AD, ultrasonically inspect the flap hinge fitting lower studs for cracking in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A57-162, dated April 27, 1984, or later FAA approved revisions.

B. If no cracking is found, no further action is required.

C. If cracking is found, replace all four studs in accordance withthe Accomplishment Instructions of Paragraph 2 of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A57-162, dated April 27, 1984, or later FAA approved revisions.

D. Alternative inspections, modifications, or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Director, Publications and Training, C1-750 (54-60). These documents also may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California.

This amendment becomes effective November 20, 1984.