NTSB: Cracks found in 3 more grounded Southwest planes

[marmar]

YUMA, Arizona (AP) — Inspectors have found small, subsurface cracks in three more Southwest Airlines planes that are similar to those suspected of causing a jetliner to lose pressure and make a harrowing emergency landing in Arizona, a federal investigator said.

Southwest said Sunday in a statement that two of its Boeing 737-300s had cracks and will be evaluated and repaired before they are returned to service. A National Transportation Safety Board member told The Associated Press later Sunday that a third plane had been found with cracks developing.

The cracks found in the three planes developed in two lines of riveted joints that run the length of the aircraft.

Nineteen other Boeing 737-300 planes inspected using a special test developed by the manufacturer showed no problems and will be returned to service. Checks on nearly 60 other jets are expected to be completed by late Tuesday, the airline said. ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.suntimes.com/4647409-417/ntsb-cracks-found-in-3-more-grounded-southwest-planes.html

[madokie]

1. Is american airlines maintenance center here in Tulsa doing the maintenance on their jets?

I remember reading that one of the airlines were outsourcing their maintenance to one of the south American countries.

[BlueCollar]

8. AA maintains its own

in Tulsa and Fort Worth. Only domestic carrier doing 100% heavy maintenance in house

[yourout]

2. I think it is about time to retire the 737-300s. The 737-300 first flew in 1981.

Many of them have been through 1000s of pressure cycles and even with fuselage rebuilds at some point it's time to put them out to pasture.

[marmar]

5. Actually, the -300s are of a 1980s vintage. The -100s and -200s date back to the beginning.

nt

[yourout]

6. I updated the response....thanks,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_737#737-300

[Shagbark Hickory]

3. Where are the fucking trains, obama?

[SidDithers]

4. Wow...nt

Sid

[MineralMan]

7. Oh, my goodness! Bringing in Obama issues to

a thread about defects in airlines. Brilliant...just brilliant.... :sarcasm:

[originalpckelly]

9. Exactly.

In Europe where electric high speed trains have been built, on shorter hops they replace commuter air. And if we were to work on more advanced versions, we might be able to do away with longer distance trips too.

[snooper2]

10. Train? you want a train now?

That pony should be hauling you wherever you want to go :rofl:

Mine only gets fed high octane