Damage In Paint Shop May Be To Blame

It started when Qantas mechanics found alarming cracks that grounded two of its Boeing 747s. That prompted a warning to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia, which has so far received reports of similar cracks in the fuselages of more than 40 aircraft worldwide.

Experts tell Australian reporters this is the type of damage that can come during aircraft repainting when metal tools impact the exterior of the aircraft. In one case, Qantas inspectors found a 70 centimeter crack in a strap that ties one part of the fuselage from another. They said the crack grew from damage sustained when the aircraft was being painted by its former owner, Malaysian Airlines.

Such cracks, caused by metal tools impacting the sheet metal of the fuselage are called scribe lines. Mark that one down -- you'll doubtlessly be hearing a lot more about such cracks in the future.

Already, CASA says similar markings have been found on 32 Boeing 737s, four 747s and seven 757s.

Stand by to receive the AD from the FAA.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au, www.boeing.com