Airworthiness Directives; Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 Airplanes

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-10-51 that was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of all Dornier Model 328-100 and -300 airplanes by individual notices. This AD requires detailed visual and eddy current inspections of both the left-hand and right-hand lower wing panel of the rear trailing edge (inboard and outboard of flap lever arm 1 (rib 3 and rib 5)) for cracks, and repair if necessary. This AD is prompted by cracks found in the lower wing panel of the rear trailing edge (inboard and outboard of flap lever arm 1 (rib 5)) during a routine inspection on a Model 328-100 airplane. Subsequent inspection of the other Model 328-100 airplanes in the same fleet revealed several more airplanes with cracks at the same location. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the affected wing panel, possible separation of the wing from the airplane, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.