Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 series airplanes. For certain airplanes, this proposal would require inspection(s) to detect cracks of the doorjamb corners and follow-on actions. For certain other airplanes, this proposal would require installation of a preventative modification; an inspection to detect cracks at the corners of the doorjambs of the passenger and service doors; and follow-on actions. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that fatigue cracks were found in the fuselage skin and doublers at the corners of the doorjambs of the passenger and service doors. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which could result in rapid decompression of the fuselage and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.