FAA Orders Inspections of Boeing 737 MAX Jets Over Cracks

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an order for inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets due to cracks in the aircraft's fuselage. The directive affects an estimated 471 US-registered airplanes, including the 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 8-200 models.

The FAA's Airworthiness Directive (AD) was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout. The agency warned that undetected damage could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft.

Boeing has reportedly conducted an engineering analysis to determine the cause of the cracks and is working on engineering changes to prevent it in the future.