Summary
We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspections to detect cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps between the side fitting of the rear spar bulkhead at body station 955 and the skin; and follow-on and corrective actions. Since we issued that AD, we have received additional reports of cracks in 51 fail-safe straps on 41 airplanes; we have also received a report of a crack found in the "T'' fitting that connects the fail-safe strap to the outboard edge of the pressure deck. This proposed AD would expand the applicability, and would add an inspection for cracking in the fail-safe strap, and repair or replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps and the "T'' fittings, which could result in cracking of adjacent structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.