Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes and Model DC-9-10, DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9-50 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracked and severed structure found in the aft fuselage cant bulkhead at a certain station (STA) and the vertical stabilizer rear spar installation. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the aft fuselage cant bulkhead at certain STAs and vertical stabilizer rear spar structure, and corrective actions and an inspection report if necessary. This AD also requires an inspection of that same structure if certain conditions occur during any phase of flight. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.