Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the point "D" splice fitting between windows number 1 and 2 with a new splice fitting, performing an eddy current inspection for cracking of the holes in the structure common to the new splice fitting, including doing any related investigative actions; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from full-scale fuselage fatigue testing on the splice fitting that failed prior to the design objective on Boeing Model 737-800 series airplanes, and a report of a cracked splice fitting on an operational airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the existing fitting that may result in cracking through the skin and consequent decompression of the flight cabin.