Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 airplanes, that would have required an inspection of the connector cables for signs of arcing and/or signs of moisture penetration into the overhead decoder units (ODU), and replacement of the affected ODU(s) with a new ODU, if necessary. The proposed AD also would have required modification and reidentification of the cable assemblies and the connect cable assemblies at shipside power to the ODU, ODU to ODU, and adjacent bag racks. This new action revises the proposed rule by adding and removing airplanes in the applicability of the proposed rule and replacing certain connectors of the ODU and shipside power cable assemblies. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent moisture from entering through the rear of the connector of the ODUs located in the overhead baggage stowage racks, which could result in a short, damage to the connector pins, and consequent smoke and/or fire in the cabin. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.