Boeing pauses flight testing of 777-9 to inspect structural component
Boeing has grounded its test fleet of four as-yet-uncertified 777-9 aircraft to inspect an “structural component between the engine and the airplane structure,” a part unique to the 777-9, which was found to be faulty during a routine examination.
“During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed,” confirmed a Boeing spokesperson, who added that Boeing’s team “is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready”.
In a statement, Boeing noted that “no near-term flight tests were planned on the other flight test airplanes, which have scheduled maintenance and layup activities”. It added that each 777-9 engine includes two of the affected item, ensuring redundancy.
The failure of the component (as first reported by The Air Current) came during routine post-flight inspections of Boeing’s third test aircraft, said two familiar with the matter, with sources explaining to The Air Current that “subsequent inspections on other 7779-test aircraft… revealed cracks in the thrust link structure”.
The Boeing 777X programme was first launched in November 2013. Powered by two GE Aviation GE9X engines and featuring folding wingtips, the 777-9 conducted its first flight in January 2020. Despite numerous delays to the programme, the type was granted FAA Type Authorisation Inspection (TIA) in July of this year, allowing it to make its first certification test flight. At the time, Boeing stated that the “certification flight testing will continue validating the airplane’s safety, reliability and performance;” maintaining that it expected the type to receive certification in 2025.
