Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, DC-9-80, and C-9 (military) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and Model MD-90 airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection of the forward attach pins of the outboard flight spoiler actuators to determine whether the pins are of correct length, and follow-on corrective actions. This proposal is prompted by a report that forward attach pins of incorrect length were found to be installed in the flight spoiler actuators on several in-service and in-production airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the piston of the flight spoiler actuator and consequent puncturing of the aft spar web, which could result in fuel leakage and reduced structural integrity of the wings.