FAA Orders Inspections of Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft Over Potential Cracking Concerns
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive requiring inspections of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft due to concerns over potential cracking in a critical fuselage reinforcement known as the bear strap.
The directive applies to 471 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9 and MAX 8-200 aircraft, with approximately 1,429 aircraft affected worldwide. The inspections are precautionary because the MAX shares a similar structural design and manufacturing process with the earlier Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) family, where cracking has previously been detected.
The FAA stressed that no cracks have been identified on the 737 MAX fleet, but the inspections will be conducted to prevent any potential issues. The regulator has not ordered the aircraft to be grounded, noting that the inspection intervals provide multiple opportunities to identify any developing cracks well before they pose a threat to structural integrity.
Boeing said it has completed engineering analyses into the reported cracking and is developing permanent design improvements. The company added that it supports both the FAA directive and operators implementing the required inspections.