Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Corporation Model MD-90-30 Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting for corrosion of the retract cylinder support fitting for the main landing gear (MLG) and the mating bore for the support fitting in the MLG trunnion fitting, performing corrective actions if necessary, and replacing cadmium-plated retract cylinder support bushings and bearings. This AD results from reports of the retract cylinder support fitting for the MLG failing during gear extension and subsequently damaging the hydraulic system. We are issuing this AD to prevent corrosion and damage that could compromise the integrity of the retract cylinder support fitting for the MLG, which could adversely affect the airplane's safe landing.