US aviation authority orders inspections of 470 Boeing 737 Max planes for cracks

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated the inspection of around 470 Boeing 737 Max aircraft due to concerns about cracks near door areas. This precautionary measure extends to a fleet that has not yet shown signs of the issue, reflecting a broader concern over manufacturing quality.

Boeing confirmed that similar cracks were previously found in the precursor model, the 737 Next Generation. Due to comparable design and production processes in the affected areas, the aerospace giant decided to extend the inspection mandate to the 737 Max fleet, even though no cracks have been observed in these newer planes to date. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has incorporated this inspection requirement into its regulatory system following a technical review.

The FAA's directive specifically requires the inspection of 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 models for cracks at a corner of the forward door. These inspections are set to begin on September 10. The presence of such cracks could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft, highlighting the critical nature of the FAA's order.

Boeing has faced various quality control issues in recent years. However, the company has reportedly made progress in addressing these challenges. This latest inspection order underscores the ongoing scrutiny of the manufacturer's production standards and the commitment of aviation authorities to passenger safety.