AD NUMBER: 2003-21-02
MANUFACTURER: McDonnell Douglas
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2003-21-02

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas transport category model DC-8 airplanes, that requires an inspection to determine the material composition of the lower inboard auxiliary spar cap of the left and right wings. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires repetitive detailed and dye penetrant inspections for cracking ofthe spar cap, and corrective actions if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correctstress corrosion cracking of the auxiliary spar cap, which could cause excessive loads to the structure attaching the support fitting of the main landing gear (MLG) to the wing, and result inloss of the MLG. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

[Note: While it is ANN's general policy to not post ADs on large airliners, the DC-8 has migrated into many applications where normal airline channels might not immediately reach. Hence, we are running this notice as a public service --ed.]

FMI: www.avantext.com/DailyADIndex.ASP?AD=20032102