The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that more than 300 Boeing 737 airplanes have “improperly manufactured” slat tracks, are parts of the wings that are important during take-off and landing.
The aviation regulator warned that slat tracks installed on certain 737 airplanes worldwide “may not meet all applicable regulatory requirements for strength and durability.”
The FAA released a statement regarding the issue on Sunday after a joint investigation with Boeing.
In the investigation, the FAA Certificate Management Office (CMO) and Boeing concluded that a sub-tier supplier improperly manufactured up to 148 parts.
According to the FAA, “the affected parts may be susceptible to premature failure or cracks.” Boeing determined that the defective parts may have been installed on certain 737NG and 737MAX airplanes.
The airplane manufacturer found that 133 737NG airplanes and 179 737MAX airplanes are affected worldwide. In the United States, 32 NG and 33 MAX aircrafts are affected.
“Although a complete failure of a leading edge slat track would not result in the loss of the aircraft, a risk remains that a failed part could lead to aircraft damage in flight,” according to the aviation regulator.
