FAA orders crack inspections on hundreds of 737 MAX jets

The FAA adopted a final airworthiness directive on August 6 requiring inspections of 471 US-registered Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9 and 737-8200 aircraft (1,429 worldwide) for cracks in a bear-strap structural fitting near the forward galley door, the same cracking issue previously found on 737NG jets that share the same fuselage design and assembly process. The directive takes effect September 10, 2026 and requires on-condition repairs if cracks are found; the FAA said no cracks had yet been confirmed on MAX airframes but ordered checks given the shared lineage.