Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection to determine the manufacturer of the circuit breakers, and corrective action, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by reports of smoke and electrical odor in the flight compartment and cabin area as a result of failure of circuit breakers. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent internal overheating and arcing of the circuit breakers and airplane wiring due to long-term use and breakdown of internal components of the circuit breakers, which could result in smoke and fire in the flight compartment and main cabin.