Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas DC-9-80 series airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to detect discrepancies of electrical plugs and receptacles of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger cabin, and to verify that the ends of all pins and sockets are even and that they are seated and locked into place. The proposed AD also would require replacement of any discrepant part with a new part, and modification of the electrical wiring and connectors of the sidewall lighting system in the passenger cabin. This proposal is prompted by reports of failures of the electrical connectors in the sidewall fluorescent lighting, which resulted in smoke or lighting interruption in the passenger cabin. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failures of the electrical connectors, which could result in poor socket/pin contact, excessive heat, electrical arcing, and consequently, connector burn through and smoke in the passenger cabin.