FAA Orders Inspections of Over 400 Boeing 737 Max Jets for Possible Cracks
The directive will take effect on Sept. 10
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered the inspections of Boeing BA -3.33%decrease; down pointing triangle 737 Max jets for cracks of a component that could affect the structural integrity of the planes.
The FAA directive, which was published Thursday and will take effect on Sept. 10, will apply to certain Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 model airplanes. The FAA estimates that the mandatory inspections will affect 471 jets in the U.S.
It said cracks were found on some older plane models in a structural reinforcement, known as the bear strap, around the forward gallery door.
Inspections of the fuselage skin will be required, the FAA said.
“The FAA is issuing this AD [airworthiness directive] to address the unsafe condition on these products,” the agency said, adding that the cracks could “adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.”
The aircraft manufacturer said the inspections provide opportunities to detect and correct possible cracks before they exceed a critical length.
A Boeing spokesperson said that the company has been working with aircraft operators over the past six years after identifying the issue on 737 New Generation airplanes.
“This issue has not been observed on the 737 MAX fleet, but Boeing extended the inspections to 737 MAX airplanes as the model shares a similar design and build process,” the spokesperson said.
“The FAA Airworthiness Directive published today mandates the inspections, as it did for the 737 Next Generation,” the person said.
Boeing is introducing changes to the manufacturing process that addresses the root cause of the unsafe condition on in-production airplanes, the FAA said.