U.S. aviation authorities have mandated inspections for Boeing 737 Max aircraft to check for potential cracks in a structural fuselage component. This directive impacts around 471 planes, with inspections slated to commence in September. The focus is on the bear strap, a structural element supporting the fuselage around exit doors. Previously, similar cracks were found in older Boeing 737 Next Generation models, which led to inspections of those aircraft.
No cracks have been reported in the 737 Max fleet yet, but regulators cited concerns due to the aircraft’s similar design and manufacturing process, suggesting a possibility for the issue to arise. The agency emphasized that undetected cracks could compromise a crucial structural component, potentially affecting the plane’s overall integrity.
Boeing has acknowledged the situation, noting that it has been collaborating with airlines on this matter since it was identified in 2019, and it endorses the required inspections. The company stated that these checks aim to detect and address any issues before cracks become critical.
This development adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the 737 Max, which has faced intense examination following previous safety incidents and questions about manufacturing and engineering standards. The aircraft model was globally grounded after two tragic crashes in 2018 and 2019.