AD 87-17-03

87-17-03 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-5704. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81, -82, and -83 series airplanes, fuselage numbers 909 through 1208, certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To preclude the potential of main landing gear wheel assembly separation from the airplane, accomplish the following:

A. Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the main landing gear axle nut retainer in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of McDonnell Douglas Corporation Alert Service Bulletin A32-206 Revision 1, dated July 18, 1986, or later revisions approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region. Any retainer assembly found to be improperly installed must be replaced prior to further flight, in accordance with the service bulletin.

B. Alternate means of compliance which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

C. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base in order to comply with the requirements of this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the appropriate service 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-L65 (54-60). These documents 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 September 13, 1987.