FAA Orders Inspection of Hundreds of 737 Max Jets for Cracks

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an airworthiness directive for hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets, requiring inspections for cracks in the plane's body. The directive applies to 471 US-registered 737 Max 8s, Max 9s, and Max 8-200 airplanes.

Cracks were found on some planes in a structural reinforcement around the forward service door on the right side of the airplane, next to the front galley. Airlines must inspect the area based on each airplane's usage and repair any cracking before returning an affected airplane to service.

Boeing has conducted an engineering analysis to determine the cause of the cracks and is working on engineering changes to prevent them in the future. The FAA did not order the aircraft grounded, saying the required inspection intervals provide multiple chances to detect cracks before they could compromise the airplane's structural integrity.