Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 series airplanes. This proposal would require a general visual inspection to detect chafing or damage of the feeder cables of the external ground power in the forward cargo compartment between certain fuselage stations; and repair, if necessary. This proposal also would require installation of spiral wrap on the feeder cables of the external ground power. This action is necessary to prevent chafing of the feeder cables during removal of the sump panels of the cargo floor, which could result in electrical arcing and damage to adjacent structure, and consequent smoke and/or fire in the forward cargo compartment. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.