Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767-200 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections of the side panels of the nose wheel well for broken rivets and replacement of any broken rivets with bolts. This proposal would also require follow-on inspections of adjacent areas for cracks or broken rivets, whenever two or more adjacent broken rivets are found; repair of any cracks; and replacement of any broken rivets with bolts. Finally, this proposal provides for the optional replacement of all rivets in the affected area with bolts, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to detect and correct broken rivets in the nose wheel well side panels and top panel, which could impair the function of the nose landing gear and cause fatigue cracks in the side panel and top panel webs of the nose wheel well, which could result in rapid cabin depressurization during flight. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.