Navy inspecting Boeing jets after 'cracks' found
Posted October 23, 2008 11:00 pm
WASHINGTON -- The Navy says it will inspect fighter jets from Chicago-based Boeing after discovering "fatigue cracks" on more than a dozen aircraft deployed overseas.
The service says it plans to complete inspections of all 636 Hornet aircraft within the next two weeks. It will then decide whether to ground planes or restrict flights. The first crack was discovered during a routine flight inspection.
The Navy says there are 112 Hornets deployed on carriers worldwide. The planes affected have flown between 5,000 and 7,500 flight hours.
Boeing Co. representatives didn't return calls seeking comment Friday afternoon.