The capability of inspection in the field is generally less than at the depot.  The sizes of damage assumed to exist following inspection are specified in JSSG-2006 paragraph A3.12.1.  For this example, assume that penetrant or ultrasonics will be used at the depot both exterior and interior to the lower surface.  If this type of inspection is conducted, the damage likely to be found will be much smaller than the failed skin panel.  From JSSG-2006 Table XXXII the minimum damage size to be assumed is a through crack of 0.25 inch uncovered length.  The locations of the 0.25 inch length both in the skin and in the splicing stringer should be selected on the basis of inspectability but should be the location most critical to subsequent growth.  Assume for purposes of illustration, that the damage is as indicated in Figure 1.3.17.  The 0.005 inch flaw away from the primary damage site represents the initial manufacturing type damage as specified in JSSG-2006 paragraph A3.12.1.