Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the upper caps in the front spar of the left and right wing, and repair, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the upper cap of the front spar of the wing in the forward flange area. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent progression of fatigue cracking, which could cause reduced structural integrity of the wing front spar and damage to adjacent structures.