Summary
We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-20- 14, for all Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; and all Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes. AD 2004- 20-14 requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the splice fitting at fuselage frame (FR) 47 between stringers 24 and 26 (left- and right-hand sides), and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 2004-20-14, we have determined that the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of cracks in the splice fitting at fuselage FR 47. This proposed AD would reduce the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection intervals, and add Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the splice fitting at fuselage FR 47, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.