1Berita – “Boeing 737 MAX Faces Another Issue, This Time Involving Loose Bolts”
The Boeing 737 MAX has once again encountered a problem involving the loss of crucial parts on two aircraft of this type. Boeing has instructed airlines to inspect their respective fleets of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
As reported by CNN and Reuters on Friday (December 29, 2023), an international airline, not named, discovered that one of the bolts had come loose and was missing from the steering control mechanism of the aircraft during routine maintenance.
The same airline found a similar bolt that was not properly fastened on an aircraft that was about to be delivered. The aircraft’s steering mechanism is essential for controlling and stabilizing the aircraft during flight.
Boeing stated that the aircraft with the bolt issue had been fixed. However, the company wants to ensure that all 1,370 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operating worldwide undergo inspections to identify any similar issues.
“The issue identified on the aircraft has been addressed,” said a Boeing spokesperson in their statement.
“As a precautionary measure, we recommend operators to inspect their 737 MAX aircraft and inform us if any findings are discovered,” Boeing added in the statement.
Boeing stated that they have informed the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about this issue. “We have informed the FAA and our customers, and will continue to keep them informed of developments,” Boeing added.
Meanwhile, the FAA, in its statement, mentioned that it is closely monitoring the targeted inspections of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The FAA also stated that they would “consider additional actions based on further findings of loose or missing hardware.”
It was further explained by the FAA that the inspections would involve searching for the “possibility of loose bolts in the steering control system.” According to the FAA, the inspection takes about two hours, and airlines will report their results to the regulatory authority.
The problematic part is a critical safety item, where the FAA mandates double inspections. This means that two sets of eyes must ensure that the aircraft is genuinely ready to fly.
Boeing stated that the fix involves removing the panel and visually validating nuts and bolts. Boeing will conduct inspections on all its newly produced aircraft going forward.
Boeing recommends that airlines conduct inspections on their 737 MAX within two weeks.
In its statement, Boeing also emphasized that this issue did not occur on older models of the 737 Next Generation aircraft.
Technical and quality issues at Boeing present significant challenges for the company. Fatal accidents involving two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that claimed a total of 346 lives a few years ago led to a 20-month grounding of the aircraft, resulting in losses exceeding $20 billion for Boeing.
The Boeing 737 MAX returned to the skies carrying passengers in most markets worldwide in late December 2020. However, problems have resurfaced, including in April when manufacturing issues were found on some of these aircraft after suppliers used a “non-standard manufacturing process” during the installation of two components on the rear of the aircraft body.
