Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 Series Airplanes; and DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes listed above, that requires a check of the slant pressure panels of the wheel wells of the left and right main landing gear (MLG) for water leakage, and repair of any leak found. This action is necessary to prevent the accumulation of water in the wheel wells of the MLG during flight, which could freeze on the lateral control mixer and control cables, resulting in restricted lateral control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.