Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 727 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the rear spar web or fuel leakage of the wing center section, and repair, if necessary. That action also provides for an optional modification of the rear spar web that constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. That action was prompted by several reports of fuel leakage due to cracking of the rear spar web of the wing center section. This action would require accomplishment of the previously optional terminating action. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent cracking of the rear spar web, which could permit fuel leakage into the airflow multiplier, and could result in an electrical short that could cause a fire.