AD FAA-2016-9188

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-26-04 for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2007-26-04 required repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fasteners, and repair if necessary; and a preventive modification, which terminated the repetitive inspections. This AD removes the mandatory modification; adds repetitive inspections of the skin for cracking, a one-time inspection for defects of the production countersunk rivets, and corrective actions if necessary; and adds an optional skin trim-out repair, which will terminate certain inspections. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that certain skin panels are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.