AD FAA-2011-0221

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model DC-8-11, DC-8-12, DC-8-21, DC-8-31, DC-8-32, DC-8- 33, DC-8-41, DC-8-42, and DC-8-43 airplanes; Model DC-8-50 series airplanes; Model DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 airplanes; Model DC-8-60 series airplanes; Model DC-8-60F series airplanes; Model DC-8-70 series airplanes; and Model DC-8-70F series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current or repetitive low frequency eddy current inspections for cracks on the area around certain fasteners of the access opening doubler on the left and right wing center spar lower cap, and repair, if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports that cracks in the center spar lower cap and, in some cases, the web of the spar, have been found at stations Xrs = 168.00, Xrs = 251.00, and Xrs = 358.00. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the area around certain fasteners of the access opening doubler on the left and right wing center spar lower cap, which could compromise the structural integrity of the wing structure.