Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series airplanes. This amendment requires inspections to detect attachment failures of the 12 attachments located on the No. 4 banjo fitting/pylon carry- through cap, and to detect cracking of the forward and aft flanges and bolt holes of the No. 4 banjo fitting; repair, if necessary; and replacement of the 12 attachments with new or serviceable parts. Such replacement terminates the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that attachment bolts on the forward and aft flanges of the No. 4 banjo fitting and the pylon carry-through cap failed due to fatigue cracking. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such cracking, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane during flight and ground operations.