New York, NY – The Federal Aviation Administration has raised concerns over a potentially catastrophic flaw found in Boeing aircraft that could lead to a fire or explosion. The FAA’s proposed rule, published in March, highlighted poor electrical insulation near the fuel tank of Boeing’s 777 liner, putting the entire aircraft at risk.
According to the Airworthiness Directives note, failure to address this issue could result in an ignition source inside the fuel tank, leading to a fire or explosion. Nearly 300 Boeing aircraft, including the 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series jets, are affected by this potentially deadly flaw.
Despite being an older model, the Boeing 777 is widely used worldwide, particularly by American and United Airlines. Recent incidents, such as the dramatic plunge of a Singapore Airlines flight resulting in injuries and a fatality, have raised concerns about the safety of these aircraft.
To address the issue, the FAA has proposed a new inspection regime that would require operators to spend 90 hours evaluating each airplane before installing Teflon sleeves and cap fasteners in certain parts of the center, left, and right main fuel tanks. Boeing estimates that implementing these repairs would cost approximately $14 million.
This is not the first time the FAA has directed Boeing to address safety issues. In 2017, a similar order was issued to prevent fuel tank explosions in the event of a fault current or lightning strike. Boeing has until May 9 to respond to the FAA’s report, with a potential 60-month timeline to complete the repairs if adopted.
Boeing has come under increased scrutiny in recent months due to various safety issues, including a door plug incident on an Alaska Airlines flight. The FAA has identified “unacceptable” quality control issues during an audit of Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems, further highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
In response to the FAA’s proposed rule, Boeing has expressed support for making the guidance mandatory, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety in aircraft maintenance and operations. The aviation industry continues to focus on enhancing safety standards to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew aboard commercial flights.