SpiceJet’s 23 Boeing 737 next generation planes to be checked for cracks: DGCA

Nineteen passenger aircraft above 26,000 flight cycles and four freighters having above 36,000 cycles of SpiceJet will be affected with the order.

Aviation watchdog DGCA will inspect 23 Boeing 737 planes, including four freighters, operated by SpiceJet to check for any cracks in their body frames, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Recently, cracks were found three 737-800s having more than 36000 flight cycle at the wing to body frame fitting during a check. Boeing has been apprised about the cracks. (boeing.com)

SpiceJet said Boeing has advised 737 NG (Next Generation) operators to carry out certain precautionary checks and that the exercise would not require grounding of aircraft.

Last week, the US regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said inspections would be required for certain Boeing 737 NG aircraft after cracks were found in some of them, as per reports. Domestic carriers — SpiceJet, Vistara and Air India Express — operate 737 planes.

The senior official said Boeing intends to include 737 NG aircraft that have more than 26,000 flight cycles.One flight cycle refers to time period from the takeoff of an aircraft and its first landing.

As many as 19 passenger aircraft and four freighter planes of SpiceJet have completed more than 26,000 flight cycles and those would be subject to inspection. Each inspection is expected to take around one-hour.