Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -311, and -312 Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -311, and - 312 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires an initial rotating probe inspection and initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections for discrepancies of the first fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the keel beam on previously modified airplanes, installation of new fasteners, and corrective action if necessary. This AD retains the actions required by the existing AD and adds new rotating probe inspections and a terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the existing AD. This AD results from a report that certain inspections, done before accomplishing the modification of the lower keel beam fitting and forward lower shell connection, revealed cracking that was outside the modification limits specified in the service bulletin; the cracking was repaired by installing a titanium doubler. We are issuing this AD to prevent discrepancies of the fastener holes of the horizontal flange of the keel beam, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.