Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection to determine whether latch pins on the lower lobe and main deck side cargo doors are installed backward, and corrective actions, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this proposal also would require eventual modification of the latch pin fittings on certain cargo doors. This proposal is prompted by reports that latch pins have been found installed backward on the cargo doors of several airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent improper latching of latch pins and the mating latch cam on the cargo door, which could result in damage to the structure of the cargo door and doorway cutout and consequent opening of the cargo door during flight.