Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER Series Airplanes

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. That AD currently requires inspections to detect cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps between the side fitting of the rear spar bulkhead at body station 955 and the skin; and follow- on and corrective actions. This new AD expands the applicability; and adds an inspection for cracking in the fail-safe strap, and repair or replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by additional reports of cracks in 51 fail-safe straps on 41 airplanes; we have also received a report of a crack found in the "T" fitting that connects the fail- safe strap to the outboard edge of the pressure deck. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps and the "T" fittings, which could result in cracking of adjacent structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.