Story perspectives

FAA Orders Crack Inspections on 471 Boeing 737 Max Jets

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. FAA ordered inspections of 471 Boeing 737 Max 8, 9 and 8-200 jets for cracks.
Cracks in reinforcement near the forward service door require repairs, and the September 10 directive does not ground the fleet but sets inspection intervals.
Boeing changed its manufacturing process and the FAA proposed a seat-assembly inspection.
Scrutiny continues after an Alaska Airlines door-plug failure in January 2024 linked to four missing bolts from an October 2023 delivery.

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Story summary

The U.S. FAA ordered inspections of 471 Boeing 737 Max 8, 9 and 8-200 jets for cracks.
Cracks in reinforcement near the forward service door require repairs, and the September 10 directive does not ground the fleet but sets inspection intervals.
Boeing changed its manufacturing process and the FAA proposed a seat-assembly inspection.
Scrutiny continues after an Alaska Airlines door-plug failure in January 2024 linked to four missing bolts from an October 2023 delivery.