Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Lockheed Model L-1011-385 series airplanes, that currently requires various types of inspections to detect fatigue cracking of certain areas of the rear spar caps, web, skin, and certain fastener holes; and repair or modification, if necessary. This amendment reduces the repetitive inspection interval for all of the currently required inspections, except for the X-ray inspections. It also revises the terminating modification provision for some airplanes. This amendment is prompted by reports of cracks found during the currently required inspections, which had progressed to lengths greater than predicted. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that fatigue cracking is detected and corrected in a timely manner before it can lead to rupture of the rear spar, extensive damage to the wing, and spillage of fuel.