FAA orders inspections of 1,429 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive requiring inspections for approximately 1,429 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft worldwide, including 471 registered in the United States. The directive specifically targets the Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 8-200 models.

The inspections focus on the "bear strap," a metal structural reinforcement located at the upper forward corner of the right-side forward service door (1R). The measure is preventive, following reports of cracks in similar structural components on older Boeing 737 Next-Generation models. The FAA warned that undetected cracks in this area could compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft.

Boeing has stated that it is working with engineers to determine the root cause and has already modified its manufacturing processes for new aircraft to prevent the issue. While the directive mandates detailed inspections—including visual checks and potential eddy current testing—the FAA has not ordered the fleet to be grounded, noting that the prescribed inspection intervals should allow for detection before a critical risk develops. The directive is set to take effect on September 10.