The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for Boeing 737 Max aircraft over concerns of potential cracks in a key structural component of the fuselage known as the bear strap. This directive impacts around 471 airplanes, with inspections slated to commence in September. The bear strap consists of structural sheets that provide support to the fuselage surrounding the exit doors. This scrutiny follows the discovery of similar issues in older Boeing 737 Next Generation models, which led to previous inspections of those aircraft.
While there have been no reported cracks in the 737 Max fleet thus far, the FAA expressed that the aircraft’s design and manufacturing process is similar to the older models, raising the possibility of the issue occurring in the Max series. The regulator emphasized that undetected cracks in the bear strap could compromise a significant structural component, thereby potentially affecting the aircraft’s overall structural integrity.
Boeing has been actively collaborating with airlines to address the issue since it was identified in 2019. The company has voiced its support for the compulsory inspections, highlighting that these checks are aimed at detecting and resolving any potential issues before cracks might reach a critical level.
This new wave of inspections adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by the 737 Max series, which has been under the spotlight following previous safety concerns. The aircraft was grounded globally after two tragic crashes in 2018 and 2019, which brought intense focus on Boeing’s manufacturing and engineering practices.