FAA Recommends Urgent Inspections for Boeing 787 Landing Gears

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed an airworthiness directive (AD) addressing concerns with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s main landing gear (MLG). During production, a critical inspection was missed, leading to potential safety risks that need to be mitigated.

A report from Boeing revealed that a fluorescent penetrant inspection, which is crucial for detecting cracks, was not performed on four drag brace lower link assemblies of the MLG during the manufacturing process. This oversight, attributed to human error and involving a single technician, poses a significant risk. If undetected, cracks in these components could lead to a fracture of the drag brace lower lock link assembly, potentially resulting in the collapse of the MLG. Such a failure could cause a loss of directional control while the aircraft is on the ground, increasing the risk of a runway excursion or even fuel tank penetration.

The proposed directive applies to all Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 aircraft, affecting over 130 Dreamliners currently operating in the United States. In response to this safety concern, the FAA is recommending thorough inspections and necessary replacements to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft.

Boeing has informed operators of this issue, and, fortunately, there have been no in-service incidents related to it. The FAA and Boeing are working closely to implement the necessary safety measures and prevent any future occurrences.

Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=787

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, FAA.gov, boeing.com