The FAA has issued an emergency directive requiring operators of specific early Boeing 737 models to conduct initial and repetitive electromagnetic inspections for fatigue damage.
“This action will initially apply to a total of approximately 175 aircraft worldwide, 80 of which are U.S.-registered aircraft. Most of the aircraft in the U.S. are operated by Southwest Airlines,” the FAA said in a statement.
“Safety is our number one priority,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a news release. “Last Friday’s incident was very serious and could result in additional action depending on the outcome of the investigation.”
The FAA airworthiness directive requires initial inspections using electromagnetic, or eddy-current, technology in specific areas of the aircraft fuselage on certain Boeing 737 aircraft in the -300, -400 and -500 series that have accumulated more than 30,000 flight cycles. It will then require repetitive inspections at regular intervals.