The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for operators of Boeing 737 Max airplanes to check for potential cracks in a structural part of the fuselage. This directive is expected to impact around 471 aircraft, with inspections starting in September. The focus of these inspections is on the bear strap, a crucial structural component that supports the fuselage near the exit doors. Previous instances of similar cracks were found in older models of the Boeing 737 Next Generation, which led to checks on those aircraft as well.
While no cracks have been reported in the 737 Max line so far, the FAA noted that these planes share a similar design and manufacturing process with the Next Generation models, suggesting the possibility of a similar issue arising. The agency cautioned that if these cracks go unnoticed, they could compromise a key structural element and potentially threaten the aircraft’s overall integrity.
Boeing has stated that it has been collaborating with airlines on this matter since it was identified in 2019 and is in favor of the mandatory inspections. The company emphasized that these checks are intended to detect and address any issues before the cracks reach a critical stage, ensuring safety and reliability.
This development is part of the continued examination of the 737 Max series, which has been under intense scrutiny following past safety incidents and concerns about its manufacturing and engineering quality. Notably, the 737 Max was grounded globally after two tragic crashes occurred in 2018 and 2019.