Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9, Model MD-90-30, Model 717-200, and Model MD-88 airplanes, that currently requires inspecting the general condition of the jackscrew assembly and the area around the jackscrew assembly to detect the presence of metal shavings and flakes. This amendment also requires inspecting for metallic particles in the lubrication for the jackscrew assembly of the horizontal stabilizer and surrounding area to detect any discrepancy; follow-on actions; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by numerous reports from operators that indicate instances of metallic shavings in the vicinity of the jackscrew assembly and gimbal nut of the horizontal stabilizer. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of pitch trim capability due to excessive wear of the jackscrew assembly of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.