Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 Series Airplanes and KC-10 (Military) Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 series airplanes and KC-10 (military) airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the rear spar cap of the horizontal stabilizer; and repair, if necessary. The amendment also would require a preventive modification of the rear spar cap of the horizontal stabilizer, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking of the rear spar cap of the horizontal stabilizer. The actions specified by this amendment are intended to prevent fatigue cracking of the rear spar cap of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.