FAA Orders Inspections for Hundreds of Boeing 737 Max Jets Over Structural Crack Concerns

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an airworthiness directive for Boeing 737 Max aircraft, requiring inspections of hundreds of planes due to concerns over structural cracks.

According to reports, the issue affects approximately 471 US-registered Boeing 737 Max 8, Max 9, and Max 8-200 aircraft, which are part of a fleet that has faced heightened regulatory scrutiny since an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 experienced issues in January 2024.

The FAA states that cracks were found in a structural reinforcement around the forward service door on the right side of the plane, adjacent to the front galley. Under the directive, airlines must inspect the affected area according to a schedule based on each aircraft's usage, and any planes found with cracking must be repaired before returning to service.

Boeing has completed an engineering analysis to determine the cause of the issue and is developing design changes intended to prevent it from occurring in the future. The FAA has not grounded the affected aircraft, saying the required inspection intervals provide multiple opportunities to detect any cracking before it could compromise the airplane's structural integrity.