Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310-203, -204, and -222 Airplanes, and Model A310-300 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310-203, -204, and -222 airplanes, and Model A310-300 series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time rototest inspection for cracking of the frame foot and adjacent frames and skin in the area surrounding the frame foot run-outs from fuselage frames (FR) 43 through FR 46, and repair if necessary. This AD also requires modification of certain fastener holes. This AD results from a structural evaluation of Model A310 airplanes for widespread fatigue damage of the frame foot run-outs from FR 43 through FR 46. The evaluation revealed that, on in-service airplanes, undetected cracking in this area can lead to the rupture of the frame foot and subsequent cracking of the adjacent frames and fuselage skin. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the frame foot run-outs, which could lead to rupture of the frame foot and cracking in adjacent frames and skin, and result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.