# Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
> **Rule** · Final rule. · Published 2010-01-12 · Effective 2010-02-16 · 75 FR 1527
## Document
- **Document number:** E9-31288
- **Category:** airworthiness
- **Type:** Rule
- **Action:** Final rule.
- **Citation:** 75 FR 1527
- **Publication date:** 2010-01-12
- **Effective date:** 2010-02-16
- **FAA docket:** Docket No. FAA-2009-0788
## Abstract

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive external non-destructive inspections to detect cracks in the fuselage skin along the chem-mill step at stringers S-1 and S-2 right, between station (STA) 827 and STA 847, and repair if necessary. This AD results from a report of a hole in the fuselage skin common to stringer S-1 and S-2 left, between STA 827 and STA 847 on an airplane that diverted to an alternate airport due to cabin depressurization and subsequent deployment of the oxygen masks. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin panels at the chem-milled steps, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2010/01/12/E9-31288/airworthiness-directives-the-boeing-company-model-737-300--400-and--500-series-airplanes)
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