AD 87-17-11

87-17-11 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS: Amendment 39-5716. Applies to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-62, -62F, -63, and -63F series airplanes, modified in accordance with Aeronautic Development Corporation Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2494NM, certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent the loss of engine inlet extended nose dome assembly due to metal fatigue failure of the aft attachment ring flanges and possible damage to the engine, accomplish the following:

A. Within 250 flight-hours after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished within last 250 flight-hours, visually inspect nose dome extension aft attachment ring flanges, Rohr Industries, Inc., Part Numbers 236-0002, in accordance with paragraph 2.A. of Rohr Industries, Inc., Alert Service Bulletin QDC8-A71-10, dated October 21, 1986, or later revisions approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

NOTE: Removal of the nose dome and extension requires disconnecting the PT2 sense line extension. Care must be taken to ensure proper connection when re-installing to prevent erroneous EPR indication.

B. If no cracks are found, repeat the visual inspections of the flanges in accordance with paragraph A. of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 500 flight-hours, until such time as the modification is accomplished in accordance with paragraph D. of this AD.

C. If cracks are found on flanges with attachments, prior to further flight, accomplish either of the following:

1. Accomplish the modification in accordance with paragraph D. of this AD, or

2. Accomplish repair and repetitive inspections as follows:

a. For extended nose dome with five alternate blank flanges:

(1) Relocate the five attachments in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(3) through (13) of the Rohr Industries, Inc., Alert Service Bulletin QDC8-A71-10, dated October 21, 1986,or later revisions approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

(2) Repeat visual inspections of the flanges at the relocated attachments in accordance with paragraph A. of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 500 flight-hours.

b. For extended nose dome without the five alternate blank flanges:

(1) Remove and replace the aft attachment ring of the extended nose dome in accordance with FAA-approved data.

(2) Repeat visual inspections of the flanges of the newly installed attachment rings in accordance with paragraph A. of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 500 flight-hours.

D. Accomplishment of the modification to replace existing spacers, captive nuts, and retainers on aft nose dome extension ring with support fittings and to add support fittings on forward nose dome extension ring in accordance with paragraph 2.A.(1) through (56) of the Rohr Industries, Inc., Service Bulletin QDC8-71-10, dated March 2, 1987, or later revisions approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.

E. 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.

F. 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 Rohr Industries, Inc., Post Office Box 878, Chula Vista, California 92012-0878; Attention: Robert Dickenson. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or at 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California.

This amendment becomes effective September 24, 1987.