The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections for potential fuselage cracks on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, CNN reported on the 7th local time.

The inspection order applies to a total of 471 registered Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9, and MAX 8-200 aircraft in the United States.

According to the FAA, cracks were discovered in reinforcement parts near the forward passenger door on the right side of the fuselage, adjacent to the forward galley, on certain aircraft of the same model.

Airlines must inspect the affected areas according to a set schedule determined by the number of flight cycles and level of usage.

However, the FAA did not issue a grounding order for the aircraft model.

This decision was based on the assessment that cracks can be detected during routine inspection intervals before structural integrity is compromised.

Boeing stated that it has conducted technical analysis to identify the cause of the cracks and is working on design improvements to prevent recurrence.

Following an incident in January of last year where an emergency exit door plug blew out mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX jet, the FAA has conducted intensive investigations into the model.

According to an investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the accident occurred because four bolts required to secure the door plug were missing from the time the aircraft was delivered.

Boeing 737 family aircraft have previously faced issues with structural cracks.

In 2019, the FAA also ordered special inspections for 737-700, 737-800, and 737-900 aircraft after cracks were found in the structural tie connecting the fuselage to the wings.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)