Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Cracks on American Airlines Boeing 767 planes "cause for concern"
Experts from American Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing are working overtime to inspect all Boeing 767 aircraft in the AA fleet. The inspections were ordered after cracks were detected on a 767 which regulators say could have resulted in the loss of an engine.
During the past two weeks, inspectors found problems on three of the planes, promoting calls for "additional action."
The cracks were found in engine pylons, which are the structural members that hold the engines on the wings, though none of the parties involved are going as far as to claim there is any danger.
This is not the first time Boeing planes have had issues with engine pylon structures - cracks in engine fuse pins were to blame for the 1992 El Al Boeing 747 crash in Amsterdam, killing 43 people.
According to FAA records, one of the planes found to have serious safety issues had only flown 500 trips since its last major inspection - which is prompting Boeing to recommend more regular safety inspections. At the moment, the pylons are only inspected after 1500 flights.
Of course, everyone involved is quick to point out that the safety concerns are not the result of missed or botched inspections. American Airlines says it expects to finish all inspections of its 56 Boeing 767s today.
If the FAA does alter current safety inspection rules, about 360 Boeing 767s will have to be inspected in the United States, along with hundreds more in use abroad.
[Image from: Flickr/Deanster 1983]
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Joe Papierz Jr Jun 22nd 2010 8:12PM
Since cracks have been found in a Boeing 767's engine pylons after only 500 flights, that should be the new maximum number of flights between inspections. Better to play it safe than risk hurtling out of the sky totally out of control to your death. Scheduling might be tighter but I bet the industry can figure it out.
Dick Jun 22nd 2010 8:22PM
I've been concerned about cracks aboard airplanes for decades...especially the ones that offer you peanuts.
Jim Jun 22nd 2010 8:34PM
These pylon cracks are usually a result of improper maintenance practices. That is, taking short cuts when removing and replacing engines. The FAA knows about this, but is often reluctant to do anything about it. Go figure.
Mitch Jun 23rd 2010 12:51AM
There's NOTHING to figure out here. The FAA has been in bed with the airline industry for decades; just like the now-notorious MMS whose 'tight' relationship with the oil companies and lax enforcement of safety regulations paved the way for the horrendous Gulf oil-spill disaster, the FAA looks the 'other way' where airlines & aircraft maintenance are concerned. It's NO secret that the FAA gives airlines the green light to engage in the practice of what's known as 'Tombstone Technology': make 'handshakes' with the industry CEO's, bet the odds of risks, and put off needed safety fixes and improvements until AFTER a major disaster. They've figured out it's more cost effective for airlines to pay out settlement claims for a planeload of dead crash-victims and save the more expensive safety-fixes for later, when the outraged public (and victims families) are demanding it...
harold Jun 23rd 2010 9:52AM
Federal govt USDA meat inspectors dont inspect....
" " " Dept of Interior MMS dont inspect..... Off shore oil drilling/platforms...
" " " Food Drug Administration has virtually no inspectors who inspect.....
Our Military uses less costly 20 calibre weapons, our enemy 30 calibre, one
wounds, one kills--we want to be respected by our enemies.
The President refuses to suspend the Jones Act, to allow foriegn vessels to
assist in the Gulf of Mexico--due to Union Pressure.
We have an ego-centric President who goes around the world apologizing for
who "we" are--they unfortuitiously gave him the Nobel Peace Prize--(?) for
what?
AND, you want FAA inspectors, inspecting (?) thank you American Airlines for
doing your own inspecting and then noifying FAA....
We have a self serving President who wants to fire General Stanly McChrystal,
sue the state of Arizona and the town of Fremont, NE (pop. 25,000) for
enforcing laws,he refuses to enforce....
In my estimation, we have a Whitehouse who gives the Federal Bureaucracy the
athority to self-manage and run amok...
Thank you for bearing with me......... and I am a blue collar democrat.
Paul Jun 22nd 2010 8:37PM
Horrible.. Ground ALL jet aircraft and inspect them. There would be 10,000 pilots out of a job while this is done. That means the 5000 planes that are in the air at any one time would not be flying. Better yet, Get the potus to create a cracked engine pylon czar and let him handle the problem.
Rudy Jun 22nd 2010 9:04PM
Exactly Dick~ Most of the SPLIT-TAIILS that offer you peanuts have major cracks in their attitudes. Thank you for flying split-tail air.
patr728 Jun 22nd 2010 10:54PM
WHAT A JERK!!!!!!!!
You & your buddy Dick are the type that think they are God's gift to women, but don't realize that we are laughing at you behind your pitiful backs!
You must not fly that often or you would have noticed that there are almost as many male attendants as female attendants these days. You both need to get a life.
skicar1 Jun 22nd 2010 9:55PM
It was back in the early 80's that AA poorly installed an engine which damaged the pylon. This poor maintenance short cut caused a fully loaded DC 10 headed to LA to crash at Chicago's O'Hare airport. Killed all people on board during take off. The engine pylon failed causing the engine to fall off as the plane left the ground.
One would think they would have learned their lesson back then!!!!!
lazy lightning Jun 23rd 2010 1:36PM
May 1979, not early 80s
Tim Jun 22nd 2010 10:01PM
This isn't the first time American Airlines has had problems like this. On May 25, 1979, Flight 191, an AA DC-10, crashed shortly after take-off at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The crack in the pylon caused the left engine to violently separate from the wing. That caused the flaps to retract and the plane to roll on its left side, falling several hundred feet, exploding on impact. All 270 aboard were killed, as well as two on the ground. As of today, it remains the worst air disaster in U.S. history. Hundreds of DC-10's were grounded, as this became a major concern. Many were found to have cracks in the pylon assembly. Hope it won't take another catastrophe like Flight 191 for AA and other airlines to take action.
Escalonz Jun 22nd 2010 10:49PM
I believe that was the crash whereby the pilots last words were: "This can't be happening". A very unfunny event indeed...............
Rob Jun 22nd 2010 10:35PM
bs..I know of one person who found cracks..on the bracket of an engine...more than 20 years ago..AA..he reported it...he was told ..its not our (NEW YORK) plane send it to DALLAS...and it crashed. no writen record was ever found...I wonder why. the man who noticed it...is still alive. IT Is all Money...who cares if it crashes...not AA...that is what they pay insurance for...Right...?
this would is much different..no a days....so sorry to say that.
Brian Workman Jun 22nd 2010 11:17PM
How many 676's are out there all together, still flying? How many 676's have been manufactured?
Brian Workman Jun 22nd 2010 11:15PM
Why not wait for the next Pilot/Flight Attendant work stoppageStrike/Walk out, to check for cracks? It shouldn't be any longer than every 500 hundread flight hours??
Rudy Jun 22nd 2010 11:19PM
Awwwwww poor Pat. You as usual are often in error while being never in doubt. The bottom line is many of you are azz-holes period. you are the people who think you are God's gift while passengers think you stink. You protest just enough to realize you suck. Airline industry and all in it are morons.
SAM Jun 22nd 2010 11:23PM
YEAH! TAKE SHORT CUTS TO SAVE MONEY AT THE EXPENSE OF PEOPLE'S LIVES. AREN'T BIG CORPORATIONS JUST GREAT? I READ WHERE THE FAA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE BAD MAINTENANCE PRACTICES BUT HAVE HESITATED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT IN THE PAST.
gardinermob Jun 22nd 2010 11:35PM
I found/repaired cracks on 767 pylons 21 years ago as a mechanic for TWA. The JT9 engines we had vibrated the crap out of the pylons (and EVERYTHING else inside the pylon) and work hardened the metal and you got cracks. Nothing new here. Since TWA was "aquired" by American the plane pictured above may be one of "ours" painted in Americans' livery. Might even be ship 2- The 2nd 767 ever made. NASA has ship 1. Properly maintained an airplane will fly FOREVER.
Sam Jun 22nd 2010 11:41PM
Hey, ignorant assholes, have you seen 100's of 767's or any other types of planes with "cracks" on the fuselage or any other part of the plane fall out of the sky? It is still the safest mode of transportation, so just STFU. ;-)
flojoj Jun 22nd 2010 11:48PM
American airlines used to be a good company to fly but now they have become too greedy with their competition around..and they have cut back so many things on the flights.
Their is very little"service" with a smile anymore..esp at the check in counters after you pass security. The fares have gone up(all airlines) but the service is way, way down.
I am starting to use SOUTHWEST..the only draw back is that if you have a long flight, you will always be changing planes and hoping you make your connection on time.