Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. This action requires inspections to detect damage of the support brackets and clamps of the transfer pipe of the tail tank, and of the transfer pipe assembly; and replacement of damaged parts, or installation of a doubler, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of cracking of the support brackets in the refuel and fuel transfer lines of the tail fuel tank and damage to the nylon clamps and transfer pipe assembly; such damage is due to flexing of the brackets and subsequent contact of the transfer pipe assembly with adjacent structure. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such cracking and damage, which could result in further damage to the transfer pipe assembly and possible fuel leakage.