Airlines

FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive on B757 frames following discovery of Cracks

For some aircraft from The Boeing Company’s Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series, the FAA is proposing to implement a new airworthiness directive (AD). This proposed AD was motivated by a crack growth analysis that revealed current inspections are insufficient to find cracks in certain upper frame sections at the frame splice between specific stringers before a single frame breaks.

This proposed AD would call for the following measures: an inspection or records review for existing repairs; repeated inspections for upper frame cracks at the frame splices between specific stringers in specific sections; and appropriate on-condition actions. To remedy the harmful issue with these products, the FAA is recommending this AD.

‘Cracking issue’ discovered on some of Boeing’s 737 NG planes(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to a report received by the FAA, various frame sites on Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 aircraft have had cracking in the frame splice doubler and may experience it in the upper frame at the upper frame splice between stringer S-13 and S-14. The unsafe situation on Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 aircraft was addressed by the FAA in AD 2021-26-03, Amendment 29-21861 (87 FR 2534, January 18, 2022).

Boeing performed a cross-model review and crack growth analysis on its Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series aircraft due to their similar designs.

Boeing 737 structural cracks: Qantas confirms problems on 3 planes(Opens in a new browser tab)

The FAA has also invited public comments and opinions on the proposed order, with a deadline of September 5 for submissions. It’s important to note that there have long been concerns about possible fuselage cracks in the Boeing 757. In 2018 and again in 2020, the FAA had issued directives that were specifically directed at this problem.

Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

Air India Initiates Construction of MRO Facility at Bengaluru Airport

The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.