AD NUMBER: 2011-24-04

MANUFACTURER: McDonnell Douglas Corporation Certain Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, and MD-10-10F airplanes.
SUBJECT: Airworthiness Directive 2011-24-04
ACTION: Final Rule

SUMMARY: This AD was prompted by reports of three instances of fuel leaks in the lower cap splice of the wing rear spar at station Xors=409. Investigation revealed the fuel leak was due to a crack in the lower cap. If not corrected, this condition could result in fuel leaks or cracking of the lower wing skin and structure, causing possible inability of the structure to sustain the limit load and adversely affecting the structural integrity of the airplane.

This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking on the lower cap of the rear spar of the left and right wings between stations Xors=417 and the outboard edge of the lower cap splice of the wing rear spar at station Xors=400; temporary and permanent repairs if necessary; and repetitive inspections of repaired areas, and corrective actions if necessary.
DATES: This AD is effective January 3, 2012

FMI: AD