FAA Orders Inspections on 471 Boeing 737 MAX Planes Due to Cracks
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections on hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft due to cracks found near the forward galley door. The directive affects an estimated 471 planes, including the 737-8, 737-9, and high-density 737-8200 models.
The FAA warns that these cracks could compromise the structural integrity of the plane, potentially leading to damage even under normal flight conditions. Inspections will be required on a schedule determined by each aircraft's usage, with any cracks repaired before the planes can return to service.
Boeing is updating its manufacturing process to address the issue, and the FAA said inspection timelines are based on Boeing 737 fleet findings, engineering analysis, and the severity of the potential structural issue. This directive comes just weeks after the FAA proposed inspections of seat assemblies on 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft over concerns they may have been installed incorrectly.