The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 13 Boeing (NYSE:BA) 757-200 airplanes of U.S. registry after receiving multiple reports of cracking in the structure in and around the lavatory service panel.
This AD requires repetitively inspecting the lavatory service panel, access pan, and attaching structure for cracks; reinforcing the attaching structure; and if necessary, replacing the access pan or repairing cracked parts, according to a notice in the Federal Register.
The FAA said stress concentrations in the lavatory service panel access pan, the fuselage skin, and the stringer 22 (S-22R) attachment to the service panel are too high, causing fatigue cracking.
This condition, if not addressed, could result in an in-flight depressurization of the airplane, and reduced structural integrity of the aircraft.
“The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design,” the notice read.
The directive applies to Boeing 757-200 airplanes, certificated in any category, modified by particular supplemental type certificates, and would be effective from July 11, 2024.
Boeing (BA) has been under significant pressure following the 737 MAX 9 accident in January this year, with its stock down 30% year-to-date. The aviation company has also come into the crosshairs of the Department of Justice and the FAA over its safety culture, with the latter banning the firm from raising 737 MAX production.