FAA Mandates Crack Inspections on 737 Max Fleet Amid Concerns

WHO:

CBS News - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections.

CNN - Boeing is the manufacturer of the 737 Max jets.

WHAT:

CBS News - The FAA has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after cracks were found.

CNN - The FAA's airworthiness directive applies to an estimated 471 US-registered Boeing 737 Max 8s, Max 9s, and Max 8-200 airplanes.

CNN - Cracks were found in a structural reinforcement around the forward service door on the right side of the airplane.

CNN - Airlines must inspect the affected area based on each airplane’s usage and repair any cracking before returning the airplane to service.

CNN - The FAA did not order the aircraft grounded, stating that the required inspection intervals provide multiple chances to detect cracks.

WHERE:

CNN - The inspections apply to US-registered Boeing 737 Max jets.

WHEN:

CNN - The directive takes effect September 10.

CNN - Inspections were previously ordered in 2019 for some Boeing 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 models.

CNN - The National Transportation Safety Board found issues related to an Alaska Airlines jet delivered in October 2023.

WHY:

CNN - The FAA warned that undetected damage could reduce the aircraft’s structural integrity.

CNN - Boeing has changed its manufacturing process to address the issue on newly built airplanes.

HOW:

CNN - The FAA's directive requires airlines to inspect the area based on usage and repair any cracking before returning the airplane to service.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 03:59 UTC)

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after cracks were discovered in a structural reinforcement around the forward service door. This airworthiness directive affects an estimated 471 US-registered Boeing 737 Max 8s, Max 9s, and Max 8-200 airplanes, and it takes effect on September 10. Airlines must inspect the affected area based on each airplane’s usage and repair any cracking before returning the aircraft to service, although the FAA has not grounded the jets, stating that the required inspection intervals allow for multiple opportunities to detect any issues.