Boeing urges airlines to conduct inspections on all 737 Max jets following discovery of missing component
Boeing urges airlines to inspect all 737 Max planes for loose bolts in the rudder system following the identification of a potential issue by one airline The safety measure aims to ensure the integrity and reliability of the aircraft
Boeing has requested that airlines conduct inspections on all 737 Max jets for a potential issue with the rudder system following the discovery of a problem on two aircraft. An international airline found a missing nut on a bolt in the rudder-control linkage during routine maintenance, as well as a similar bolt that was improperly tightened on a plane that had not yet been delivered. The rudder is essential for controlling and stabilizing the aircraft during flight.
Boeing has confirmed that the plane with the missing bolt has been repaired. However, as a precaution, they are advising that all 1,370 737 Max planes currently in use around the world undergo inspections for any similar issues.
"We have addressed the problem on the specific plane in question," stated a spokesperson for Boeing. "As a precautionary measure, we are recommending that operators conduct inspections on their 737 Max airplanes and report any findings to us."
Boeing alerted the Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday about an inspection for a potential loose bolt in the rudder control system. The FAA stated that the inspection takes approximately two hours and airlines will update the regulator on their progress. Boeing explained that the repair includes removing an access panel and visually checking the nuts and bolts. Additionally, Boeing will conduct the inspection on all new aircraft moving forward.
The FAA stated that it will contemplate taking further action if more loose or missing hardware is found. The engineering and quality issues at Boeing have presented significant obstacles for the company. The crashes involving two 737 Max jets, resulting in the deaths of all 346 people on board, led to a 20-month grounding of the aircraft. This also turned out to be one of the costliest corporate tragedies in history, with Boeing incurring a loss of over $20 billion.
The 737 Max resumed passenger flights in late December 2020, but has since faced additional issues. In April, Boeing announced a manufacturing problem with some 737 Max aircraft due to a non-standard process used by a supplier. This issue was deemed not to pose a safety risk by Boeing. The company has also encountered troubles with its 787 Dreamliners, leading to delays and financial charges. While the Dreamliner was not grounded like the 737 Max, it still negatively affected Boeing's financial performance.
Recent quarters have seen Boeing struggle with significant operating losses as it works to fulfill its backlog of 737 Max planes and deals with cost overruns on other aircraft, including the upcoming replacements for the current Air Force One jets.
