Summary
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, and 727-100C series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracks in the body skin and bear strap at the upper and lower hinge cutouts of the mid-cabin galley doorway, along the upper fastener row of the stringer 14R lap splice, and in the doorstop fitting adjacent to the upper hinge cutout; and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD also provides for optional terminating action for certain inspections. This proposed AD results from reports of skin and bear strap cracking at the upper and lower hinge cutout and along the upper fastener row of the stringer 14R lap splice, and cracking in the doorstop fitting adjacent to the upper hinge cutout. There are also reports of cracking on airplanes previously modified to prevent such cracking. We are proposing this AD to find and fix fatigue cracking of the fuselage, which could result in reducedstructural integrity and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.