Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed C-130A Airplanes, Type Certificated in the Restricted Category

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Lockheed C-130A airplanes, type certificated in the restricted category. This action requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks at fastener holes in the left- and right-side lower skin panels and stringers of the center wing between wing stations 41.0 and 71.0; and replacement of any cracked part with a new part, or repair and inspections at new intervals. This action is necessary to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the left- and right-side lower skin panels and stringers of the center wing, which could result in structural failure of the wings and consequent loss of control of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.