Heading: Boeing 777 Plane Fuel Tanks Could Explode Due to Electrical Flaw

Boeing 777 Plane Fuel Tanks Could Explode Due to Electrical Flaw

In a recent development, Boeing has identified a potentially catastrophic flaw in its 777 aircraft that could lead to the entire plane catching fire. The flaw, related to poor electrical insulation near the fuel tank, was highlighted in a proposed rule by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA’s Airworthiness Directives noted that if left unaddressed, the flaw could result in an ignition source inside the fuel tank, leading to a fire or explosion. This issue affects nearly 300 Boeing 777 aircraft in the US, including various models such as the 77-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series jets.

While Boeing has reported the vulnerability to the FAA, the proposed fix would require operators and airlines to install electrical bonding and grounding to certain components in the center fuel tank. The estimated cost for these repairs is around $14 million for all affected airplanes.

Despite the seriousness of the issue, Boeing has assured that this is not an immediate safety concern, as the 777 fleet has multiple redundancies to protect against such electromagnetic effects. The company has pledged its full support for the FAA’s recommendation to make the repairs mandatory.

This revelation comes at a time when Boeing is already under scrutiny for various issues on its planes, including a recent incident where a door plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight. The FAA has conducted audits into Boeing and its suppliers, uncovering quality control issues that were deemed unacceptable.

As the aviation industry grapples with these safety concerns, it is crucial for regulators and manufacturers to work together to ensure the safety of passengers and crew onboard these aircraft.