Qantas discovers crack on Boeing 747-400 aircraft

Airline Industry Information, Sept 29, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Australian carrier Qantas Airways has reportedly discovered a crack in the fuselage of one of its Boeing 747-400 aircraft.

The crack was discovered during a major maintenance check, and has prompted the carrier to ground a second Boeing 747-400 aircraft which was purchased around the same time as the damaged aircraft. However, no evidence of cracking has been found on the second aircraft.

Qantas is said to be working with the manufacturer to investigate the damage. The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority has also been notified, reported Reuters.

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