Cracks discovered in 737 NG wing joints during conversion. Boeing recently notified the FAA of an emerging issue with older 737 NG airframes. “On a small number of airplanes undergoing modifications,” cracks were found in a component used to join the wings to the fuselage, commonly referred to as a pickle fork, according to a written statement from Boeing. As of Nov. 1, less than 5% of the 1,000 737 NGs inspected were found to carry the faulty wing joint. About fifty aircraft operated by carriers around the globe, including Southwest Airlines, Qantas and Gol are grounded pending repair. Boeing is working with operators to conduct inspections and provide repair plans and support, if necessary. At least another 1,000 NGs are still required to undergo inspection as part of an FAA inspection order that was issued in September, after the issue was first discovered.
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