FAA Orders Inspectons of 471 Boeing 737 Max Jets Over Cracking Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets over concerns about potential cracking in the fuselage. The directive affects an estimated 471 U.S.-registered planes, including the 737 Max 8, Max 9, and Max 8-200 models.
The FAA's airworthiness directive was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout. The agency is issuing this directive to address cracks in the fuselage skin and bear strap, which may lead to the inability of the principal structural element to sustain limit loads and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
Boeing said that the issue has not been observed on the 737 Max fleet, but was identified on certain 737 Next Generation aircraft. The company first notified operators about the issue in 2019 and has been working with them to address it over the past six years. Inspections are scheduled to begin on September 10, 2026.