Yet another Boeing aircraft has been found to have a disastrous flaw that could cause the entire plane to burst into flames.
The Federal Aviation Administration found that the airline’s 777s had insufficient electrical insulation near their fuel tanks, according to a proposed rule released by the agency in March.
“If this condition is not addressed, it could create an ignition source within the fuel tank, resulting in a fire or explosion.” The Airworthiness Directive lists the states.
This potentially fatal flaw affects approximately 300 Boeing aircraft (77-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series jets) across the United States. .
Though an older jet, the Boeing 777 is in common use around the world, especially with American and United Airlines. It’s the same giant twin-jet plane that plummeted 6,000 feet during a Singapore Airlines flight this week, injuring dozens and killing a 73-year-old man, his grandfather.
Although the FAA report reveals vulnerabilities in liners, federal regulators are not required to address the issue. The FAA estimates it will cost $14 million to fix the problem.
The agency suggested Boeing adopt a new inspection regime in which operators would evaluate each aircraft for 90 hours before installing Teflon sleeves and cap fasteners on certain sections of the center, left and right main fuel tanks.
This proposed repair comes after the FAA issued a similar directive in 2017 for more 777 models that said, “In combination with flammable fuels, This was done after a similar directive was issued to prevent arcing. “Vapours could cause the fuel tanks to explode, resulting in the loss of the aircraft,” the filing states.
The FAA reported the problem in March and gave Boeing until May 9 to address it, which, if adopted, would give Boeing up to 60 months to make repairs.
“We are aware of the FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking and have previously issued guidance to 777 operators in this regard,” Boeing said in a statement. told Bloomberg.
“We fully support the FAA’s recommendation to make its guidance mandatory.”
Boeing has come under intense scrutiny in recent months due to a number of problems with its planes, including a door plug that exploded during an Alaska Airlines flight in January.
Following the Jan. 5 mid-air fiasco, the Federal Aviation Administration found “unacceptable” quality control issues during an audit of Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems.
