Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice cautioning that a flaw in Boeing’s 777 aircraft design could potentially lead to a “fire or explosion” if left unattended. The status of the plane’s operators in resolving this matter remains uncertain.
The FAA stated that a metal plate on the wings of the 777 plane, which is meant to cover the fuel tank vent, was installed incorrectly without an electrical connection. This mistake could lead to the build-up of static electricity, creating a potential danger of fire or explosion in the aircraft’s fuel tanks.
The directive issued a warning about potential risks to approximately 292 777s registered in the United States. This includes all versions of the 777 aircraft, ranging from the standard 777-200 model to the extended-range 777-300ER.
Boeing claims that the suggested directive is just an element of a routine regulatory procedure to insure the safety of air travel.
US aerospace giant insisted that this issue does not pose an immediate risk to flight safety. Modern commercial airplanes are equipped with several backup systems to safeguard against electromagnetic effects. The 777 fleet, which has been in operation for almost three decades, has successfully transported over 3.9 billion passengers without any safety concerns, Boeing noted.
Since 1995, Boeing 777 has become the most extensively manufactured widebody aircraft globally, with close to 1,800 units delivered to carriers worldwide. In terms of safety, it has been associated with 31 accidents or incidents, which indicates a comparatively superior track record than the smaller oeing 767 predecessor. The 767 was involved in approximately 67 accidents out of the approximately 1,300 aircraft constructed.
Boeing’s safety practices have faced criticism and intense scrutiny lately. The grounding of all 737 MAX planes followed two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Additionally, this year has witnessed several incidents, including a door panel detachment on an Alaska Airlines-operated 737 MAX 9 in January. The US Department of Justice is currently reviewing the possibility of prosecuting Boeing for the 2018 and 2019 crashes, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 350 individuals. These crashes were caused by an undisclosed pitch control system issue.
(eTN): FAA: Boeing 777s at Risk of ‘Fire or Explosion’ | re-post license |Â post content
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