Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-10 and -15 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the bulkhead tee caps, and repair and follow-on actions, if necessary. The proposal would also provide for an optional terminating modification for the repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by reports of cracking in the bulkhead tee caps at a fuselage station in the area of certain longerons due to fatigue. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent such fatigue cracking, which could result in loss of pressurization and damage to adjacent structure.