Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires, among other actions, modifying the door-mounted escape system of the forward right side door slide compartment. This AD results from reports indicating that the forward right escape slide inflated 90 degrees out of alignment after deployment from the forward right side slide compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the escape slide from being unusable during an emergency evacuation and consequent injury to passengers or crewmembers.