FAA orders inspections of Boeing 737 MAX jets for cracks

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered U.S. airlines to inspect hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for potential structural cracks, issuing a directive that will take effect on September 10, 2026. The order applies to 471 in-service jets, including the 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 8200 variants, and mandates checks of specific fuselage components.

The directive requires inspections of the fuselage skin and a component known as the bear strap located near the forward galley door cutout. Regulators stated that cracks in these areas could compromise the aircraft's principal structural elements, potentially affecting its ability to sustain limit loads and adversely impacting overall structural integrity. The FAA characterized the order as necessary to address an unsafe condition.

According to the agency, the action was prompted by reports of cracks found in these components. Boeing stated that the issue was first identified on certain older 737 Next Generation (NG) aircraft and that such cracking has not been observed on the MAX fleet. The company explained it extended the inspection requirement to the newer MAX models because they share a similar design and manufacturing...