AD FAA-2010-1280

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the fuselage skin of the crown skin panel along the chem- milled step at stringers S-4 left and S-4 right, from stations (STA) 297 through 439, and repair if necessary. This AD also includes terminating action for the repetitive inspections of the repaired areas only. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the fuselage skin of the crown skin panel. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin of the crown skin panel, which could result in pressure venting and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.