Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspections for cracking of the left- and right-side shear ties and web posts of the kickload beam and the adjacent structure in the vertical stabilizer, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of cracking of the left- and right-side web posts and shear ties of the kickload beam. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the left- and right-side web posts and shear ties of the kickload beam, which, when coupled with failures in the adjacent structure, could result in structural failure of the vertical stabilizer, and loss of control of the airplane.