FAA issues Airworthiness Directive on cracks in pickle forks on Boeing 737NG aircraft
Last Update: October 10, 2019 / 19:14:26 GMT/Zulu time
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Oct 3, 2019
Classification
News
The FAA reports: "In September 2019, the FAA received reports of cracking discovered in the left and right hand side outboard chords of the station (STA) 663.75 frame fittings and failsafe straps adjacent to the stringer S-18A straps on multiple Boeing Model 737-800 airplanes during a passenger-to-freighter conversion. The affected airplanes had accumulated between 35,578 and 37,329 total flight cycles. Cracking in the STA 663.75 frame fitting outboard chords and failsafe straps adjacent to the stringer S-18A straps, if not addressed, could result in failure of a Principal Structural Element (PSE) to sustain limit load. This condition could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane and result in loss of control of the airplane."
The FAA stated: "This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the left and right hand side outboard chords of the STA 663.75 frame fittings and failsafe straps adjacent to the stringer S-18A straps. This AD also requires repair of all cracking using a method approved by the FAA or The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). This AD also requires sending a report of all results of the initial inspection to Boeing."
The AD is currently considered interim action.
On Oct 10th 2019 Southwest Airlines (USA) reported they found cracks in the pickle forks of two of their aircraft and grounded them, Gol Transporter Aereos (Brazil) reported they found cracks in the pickle forks of 11 of their aircraft.
On Oct 10th 2019 Boeing reported 810 jets have been inspected so far, of them 38 were found with cracks in the pickle forks requiring repair.
Boeing's patent US9399508B2 explains the function of the pickle forks, so called because of their shape.
Incident Facts
Date of incident
Oct 3, 2019
Classification
News
This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source
You can read 1 more free article without a subscription.
Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!
Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.
Send tip
Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.
Newest articles
Fleet type match
ANZ AT72 enroute on Nov 20th 2025, engine shut down in flight
An ANZ Air New Zealand Avions de Transport Regional ATR-72-212A, registration ZK-MVA performing flight NZ-5077 from Auckland to Nelson (New Zealand),…
Fleet type match
France A359 at Buenos Aires on Nov 20th 2025, smell of smoke on board
An Air France Airbus A350-900, registration F-HTYT performing flight AF-411 from Buenos Aires Ezeiza,BA (Argentina) to Paris Charles de Gaulle…
Subscribe today
Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.
Pick your plan and subscribePartner
ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.
SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today
AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American AirlinesUnited
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways