The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of over 470 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after discovering cracks near the service door structure, warning that if left untreated, these could affect the fuselage's structural integrity, although no flight suspensions have been issued.
On 7 August 2026, foreign news agencies reported that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an order to inspect approximately 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the U.S. after detecting cracks in the airframe structure that could compromise the fuselage's strength if not identified and repaired.
The report states this order covers the 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9, and MAX 8-200 models. The FAA noted cracks were found in the structural reinforcement around the right front service door, adjacent to the forward galley area. Airlines are required to inspect this area according to each aircraft's usage cycle, and any cracks found must be repaired before the aircraft returns to service.
However, the FAA has not ordered the grounding of these aircraft models, stating that the prescribed inspection intervals are frequent enough to detect damage before cracks affect the airframe's structural integrity. The order will take effect starting 10 September 2026.
Boeing stated it is conducting engineering analyses to determine the cause of the cracks and is developing design modifications to prevent recurrence. The company also emphasized that this issue has not been detected in the current operating 737 MAX fleet.
Boeing continues to face ongoing safety standard pressures following an incident in January 2024 when an emergency door panel detached mid-flight from an Alaska Airlines plane. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed the aircraft was delivered to the airline without installation of four bolts used to secure the door panel.
Source: AFP