Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires replacement of certain main landing gear (MLG) shock strut piston assemblies with new or serviceable, improved assemblies, which constitutes terminating action for the requirements of certain other ADs. This action is necessary to prevent fatigue cracking of the MLG shock strut pistons, which could result in failure of the MLG shock strut pistons during landing or jacking of the airplane, and consequent damage to the airplane structure and injury to the passengers, flightcrew, or ground personnel. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.