Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10, -30, and -40 series airplanes, and KC-10 (military) airplanes. This proposal would require inspections to detect corrosion or cracking of the lower front spar cap and the skin panel of the horizontal stabilizer, and repair of corroded or cracked parts. This proposal would also require eventual modification of the horizontal stabilizer, which would terminate the inspection requirements. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that corrosion, caused by water entrapment, was found on the horizontal stabilizer. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent water entrapment and subsequent damage to the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.