FAA orders checks of bolts on Boeing 737 tail mechanism

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration ordered inspections of bolts on some Boeing 737s after loose nuts were found on tail assemblies. <br><br>The directive, issued Monday, said improperly

Tuesday, April 11th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration ordered inspections of bolts on some Boeing 737s after loose nuts were found on tail assemblies.

The directive, issued Monday, said improperly tightened nuts were found on the elevators of the horizontal stabilizers on 10 of the aircraft that went into service in 1997.

A nut coming off, the FAA said, could lead to loss of control during takeoff and landing. The inspections must be completed by May 25.

The nuts "had been finger-tightened but had not been properly torqued" to meet specifications, the agency said.

Quality control problems since September, including other loose nuts and bolts and substandard fasteners, have resulted in an FAA audit of Boeing and closer scrutiny of suppliers. Results are to be announced this summer.

The latest FAA order covers 737-600s, -700s and -800s.

Boeing received the first report of loose nuts in February. Of 333 new-model 737s inspected to date, 10 had loose nuts, Boeing spokeswoman Shannon Myers said Monday.

"We really feel like the fleet has been inspected, and we think our fleet's in pretty good shape," Myers said.

Tougher inspections have been instituted in the factory, she said.