Boeing Co and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Sunday confirmed that they are reviewing a wiring issue that could potentially cause a short circuit on the grounded 737 MAX jet.
Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the US plane maker “identified this issue as part of that rigorous process, and we are working with the FAA to perform the appropriate analysis. It would be premature to speculate as to whether this analysis will lead to any design changes.”
The New York Times reported that Boeing is reviewing whether two bundles of wiring are too close together, which could lead to a short circuit and potentially result in a crash if pilots did not respond appropriately.
Photo: Reuters
The FAA said in a statement that it and the company “are analyzing certain findings from a recent review of the proposed modifications to the Boeing 737 MAX.”
It would “ensure that all safety related issues identified during this process are addressed,” the agency added.
Boeing is working to design separating the wiring bundles if necessary and conducting extensive analysis to establish if the electrical fault could occur in a real-world scenario, a company official said.
The FAA had directed Boeing to complete an audit last month, officials said.
The wiring issue could push back the return of the MAX, the officials added.
Reuters has previously reported that the FAA was not likely to approve the airplane until at least next month and might not until March or later.
The FAA flagged the wiring issue as potentially “catastrophic.”
It is possible other protections like shielding, insulation and circuit breakers could prevent a short circuit, a company official said.
Boeing would halt production of the 737 MAX this month following the grounding in March last year of its best-selling airplane after two fatal crashes in five months killed 346 people.
Last month, Boeing’s board fired chief executive officer Dennis Muilenburg after repeatedly failing to contain the fallout from the crashes that tarnished its reputation with airlines and regulators.
The crisis has cost Boeing US$9 billion, and has hurt suppliers and airlines.
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