Boeing 737 Max airplanes could have a loose bolt in the rudder control system, an issue that has launched immediate inspections of the aircraft.
Boeing recommended the inspections after a bolt with a missing nut was discovered by an international operator while conducting routine maintenance. Then, Boeing learned of another undelivered plane with a nut that was not properly tightened. The concerning discovery comes roughly four years after Boeing faced scrutiny about safety shortcuts that allegedly caused two 737 Max aircrafts to crash, killing more than 300 people.
On Thursday morning, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an announcement that said it was “closely monitoring” the inspections.
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“Under consultation with the FAA, Boeing has issued a Multi-Operator Message (MOM), urging operators of newer single-aisle airplanes to inspect specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware,” the FAA announcement said.
An FAA spokesperson told Newsweek the organization didn’t have anything further to share. Newsweek has contacted Boeing by email for comment.
Each inspection lasts two hours, and the FAA will remain in contact with Boeing throughout, according to the announcement.
“The agency is asking the airlines to work through their approved Safety Management Systems to identify whether any loose hardware has been detected previously and to provide the agency with details on how quickly these two-hour inspections can be completed,” the announcement said.
Further action will be considered if loose or missing hardware is discovered, the FAA said.
This is a developing story, and it will be updated as soon as more information comes available.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.