FAA Orders 471 Boeing 737 Max Aircraft Inspected for Door Frame and Fuselage Cracks

The US Federal Aviation Administration has issued an airworthiness directive requiring airlines to inspect 471 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for cracks in structural components. The directive takes effect on September 10, 2026, and applies to in-service new-generation 737 MAX aircraft, including the MAX 8, MAX 9 and 8200 models. Operators must take further action based on inspection results, including repeated inspections, non-destructive testing or crack repair.

Boeing said the affected area involves structural reinforcement components on the front door frames of some 737 aircraft. The company said it has been working with airline customers over the past six years since the problem was identified. The mandatory inspection stems from similar checks conducted on older-generation 737NG aircraft in 2021. Boeing has completed engineering analysis and is advancing improvement measures to prevent future cracks. The company said it supports the airworthiness directive and will continue to support airline customers.