Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB Series Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce engines. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the shim installation between the vertical flange and bulkhead, and repair if necessary. The existing AD also requires, for certain airplanes, an inspection for cracking of the four critical fastener holes in the horizontal flange, and repair if necessary. This new AD retains the requirements of the existing AD, and requires that the existing action be performed on airplanes without conclusive records of previous inspections. This AD results from our determination that an operator did not maintain records of previous inspections that are necessary to determine the appropriate corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, loose and broken bolts, and shim migration in the joint between the aft torque bulkhead and the strut-to-diagonal brace fitting, which could result in damage to the strut and consequent separation of the strut and engine from the airplane.