New Issue Uncovered in Boeing 737 Aircraft

The FAA has raised alarm about potential defects in emergency oxygen supply components.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Monday that an inspection is required for over 2,500 Boeing 737 airplanes due to a possible problem with emergency oxygen generators. These generators activate when cabin depressurization occurs, discharging oxygen masks from the overhead compartments. After Boeing discovered a potential malfunctions in these generators due to defective retention straps, an Airworthiness Directive was issued by the FAA, mandating an immediate examination.

The directive applies to approximately 2,600 Boeing 737 Max and Next Generation models. Airlines have been given a window of 120 to 150 days to complete inspections and carry out required "corrective actions". The installation of potentially flawed parts has been conditional prohibited by the FAA.

Boeing, on June 17, communicated a memo to its airline clients identifying a potential malfunction with emergency oxygen supplies. The company explained that under certain conditions, the generator's restraining straps could shift up to 1.9 centimeters, thus, hindering their functional capability. The company identified the issue as a substandard adhesive implemented in 2019. 

"We have reverted to the use of the original adhesive to guarantee secure placement of the generators on all newly delivered models," stated Boeing. According to the company, inspections of undelivered planes have not found any units affected by this flaw.

Even though Boeing's bulletin emphasized visual inspections, the FAA directive carries legal authority. Every generator has to be inspected by airlines, and any defective straps need to be replaced. Typically, a 737 has 61 oxygen generators with two straps each, but configurations could vary across different airlines.

The announcement made on Monday follows a less-than-a-day-old penalty of $243.6 million imposed on Boeing for non-adherence to the terms of its 2021 agreement with the US government. In the aftermath of a series of fatal 737 Max accidents, which led to the grounding of the entire fleet in 2019-2020, Boeing had consented to pay over $2.5 billion as a measure to evade prosecution for misleading the FAA about autopilot defects. 

As the lone maker of large commercial aircraft remaining in the US, Boeing, under Sunday’s plea agreement, has committed to invest a minimum of $455 million over the forthcoming three years to enhance its safety and compliance protocols. The company will also be under a probation period of three years supervised by a government-appointed special monitor.

Ian Smith for TROIB News