Boeing discovered an alarming 737 Max airplane loose bolt flaw. Because of this, the American aircraft manufacturer is urging airlines to conduct inspections.
The airplane design announced this alarming information after an airline, which was unnamed, told Boeing that it found a missing nut in a rudder-control linkage mechanism. The anonymous airline said that it identified the issue while conducting routine maintenance. Aside from the missing nut, a loose bolt in a yet-to-be-delivered airplane was also discovered.
Boeing Discovers 737 Max Airplane Loose Bolt Flaw
This photograph taken on June 18, 2023 shows the Boeing 737 tail fin and a Boeing 737 Max winglet (R) during the International Paris Air Show at the ParisLe Bourget Airport.
Boeing confirmed that the airplane with a missing nut and loose bolt was already fixed. However, the American plane manufacturer wants to ensure that all new 737 Max airplanes are safe from this issue.
According to NBC News' latest report, the international aerospace company is urging airlines to conduct serious inspections into all 1,370 units of 737 Max airplanes that travel companies use.
"The issue identified on the particular airplane has been remedied," said Boeing's spokesperson via CNN Business.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend operators inspect their 737 Max airplanes and inform us of any findings," the official added.
Boeing also informed the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the loose bolt and missing nut they identified. FAA officials said inspecting this latest aircraft flaw could take around two hours.
The transportation agency said that once airlines complete their investigations, they must report the progress to regulators. FAA also announced that it would consider additional measures based on further discovery of missing or loose hardware in 737 Max airplanes.
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Airlines Confirm To Start 737 Max Inspections
A Boeing 737 MAX jet lands following a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) test flight at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington on June 29, 2020. - US regulators conducted the first a test flight of the Boeing 737 MAX on Monday, a key step in recertifying the jet that has been grounded for more than a year following two fatal crashes.
One of the airlines that confirmed it'll start the recommended 737 Max inspection is Alaska Airlines. The American travel company's spokeswoman said they expect their inspections to be completed in the first half of January 2024.
The Alaska Airlines official clarified that although they'll conduct inspections, they don't expect any operational impact. This is also the statement of United Airlines' spokesperson, claiming that the results of their 737 Max inspections are expected not to affect their flight operations.
Aside from Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, American Airlines confirmed that it will investigate the latest 737 Max loose bolt and missing nut flaws.
The 737 Max airplanes halted operations after two deadly crashes involving over 340 deaths. In December 2020, this aircraft model became active again.
But, ever since 737 Maxes returned to service, the Boeing-designed aircraft faced numerous inspections. However, the aerospace firm clarified that airplanes only face more notice because the airline industry is increasing its focus on passenger safety.
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