Boeing 737 Max Jets Ordered for Crack Inspections Amid Safety Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets due to reports of cracks in certain models. The directive applies to planes under three Boeing 737 Max models: the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200.
The FAA estimates that this covers 471 planes. According to the agency, these planes are susceptible to cracking due to a similar design and build process as older 'Next-Generation' 737 planes, which have already been affected by cracks in a forward bear strap. Bear straps are metal sheets that reinforce areas on planes like doorways and emergency exits.
Boeing stated that it previously identified and reported this issue six years ago and has been working with operators to address the problem. The company had already expanded inspections to Max jets, but now the FAA's directive mandates these checks for all affected planes.