The Federal Aviation Administration issued an airworthiness directive requiring operators of Boeing 737 Max aircraft to inspect fuselages for possible cracks in structural components. The mandate affects an estimated 471 planes and represents a precautionary measure based on design similarities to earlier models where such issues have been identified.
The specific component of concern is the bear strap, which consists of sheets that support the fuselage around exit door areas. While no cracks have been discovered on 737 Max aircraft to date, the FAA determined that the model’s similar design and manufacturing processes to previous Boeing 737 Next Generation variants create susceptibility to the problem. The regulatory body cautioned that unaddressed cracks could compromise structural integrity and a plane’s ability to withstand maximum loads.
Inspection activities are scheduled to commence in September and follow an established inspection regime that the FAA implemented for Boeing 737 Next Generation models beginning in 2021. This ongoing oversight reflects concerns about potential structural weaknesses across multiple Boeing aircraft generations.
Boeing stated it has been collaborating with airlines operating 737s for several years following the company’s initial identification and notification of the issue in 2019. The aircraft manufacturer indicated support for the FAA directive and emphasized that the inspection process would identify and allow correction of problems before cracks reach critical dimensions. Boeing noted it continues developing engineering modifications to address the underlying cause of the cracking issue.
The inspection directive comes amid heightened scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing and engineering practices. The 737 Max model experienced a troubled introduction to service, and subsequent incidents including a 2024 panel failure on an Alaska Airlines flight have intensified industry and regulatory focus on production quality at Boeing facilities.
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