Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive eddy current inspections for cracks of the countersunk rivet holes in the lower lobe, adjacent to the radio altimeter cutouts; additional inspections, for certain airplanes, for cracks and/or corrosion; and further investigative and corrective action if any crack is found. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of cracks in the fuselage skin of the lower lobe. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks of the countersunk rivet holes, which could result in cracks of the fuselage skin of the lower lobe, and consequent rapid depressurization of the cabin.