The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated that operators of the Boeing 737 Max conduct inspections for potential cracks in a fuselage structural element. This directive impacts approximately 471 aircraft, with inspections slated to commence in September. The focus is on the bear strap, a component consisting of structural sheets that reinforce the fuselage near the exit doors. Similar issues had previously been identified in older Boeing 737 Next Generation models, leading to inspections for those aircraft as well.
While no cracks have been reported in the 737 Max fleet to date, the FAA highlighted that the aircraft’s design and manufacturing process is akin to that of earlier models, suggesting the potential for similar crack development. The agency cautioned that if such cracks go undetected, they could compromise a critical structural component, thereby threatening the aircraft’s overall integrity.
Boeing has indicated its collaboration with airlines on this issue since it was first recognized in 2019, and the company endorses the required inspections. These checks aim to detect and address any problems before the cracks reach a point where they become a significant threat.
This recent call for inspections adds to the ongoing examination of the 737 Max, which has faced scrutiny following past safety incidents. The aircraft was previously grounded across the globe after two tragic crashes occurred in 2018 and 2019, raising concerns about the model’s manufacturing and engineering standards.