Boeing urges inspections of newer 737 MAX aircraft for possible loose bolt

Plane manufacturing giant Boeing (NYSE:) has urged airlines to inspect more recent 737 MAX aircraft for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.

Under consultation with the FAA, Boeing is said to have issued a Multi-Operator Message (MOM) urging operators of the newer single-aisle planes to “inspect specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware.”

The FAA revealed it is closely monitoring targeted inspections of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes and will consider additional action based on any further discovery of loose or missing hardware.

They added that Boeing urged the inspections after an international operator found a bolt with a missing nut while performing routine maintenance. Boeing then discovered an additional undelivered aircraft with a nut that was not properly tightened.

In comments reported by Reuters, Boeing reportedly said the issue identified on the particular airplane “has been remedied.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending operators inspect their 737 MAX airplanes and inform us of any findings,” they are said to have added. “We informed the FAA and our customers and will continue to keep them aware of the progress.”