FAA Orders Inspections for Boeing 737 MAX Jets Over Cracks
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for Boeing's 737 MAX jets, requiring inspections of hundreds of aircraft due to cracks in the fuselage.
The directive applies to certain 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 8-200 airplanes, affecting an estimated 471 US-registered planes. The order takes effect on September 10.
The FAA cited reports of cracks in the bear strap at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout as the reason for the directive. A bear strap is a structural component that helps carry loads around openings in the fuselage.
Boeing has already conducted an engineering analysis to determine the cause of the cracks and is working on changes to prevent them in the future, according to reports.