Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and DC-9- 80 Series Airplanes, Model MD-88 Airplanes, and Model C-9 (Military) Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and DC-9-80 series airplanes, Model MD-88 airplanes, and Model C-9 (military) airplanes, that requires inspection of the tailcone release locking cable fitting assembly, and replacement or modification of the assembly, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of the inability of the tailcone to deploy because the swaged ball on the cable had jammed after passing into the release handle hole. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the inability of the tailcone to deploy, which could impede the egress of passengers from the airplane during an emergency evacuation.