Inspections reveal more flaws in jet engines linked to fatality

Flaws in jet engine fan blades like one that cracked and broke loose in April, killing a Southwest passenger, have been discovered on planes operated by several carriers, and the manufacturer is moving to further tighten inspections. General Electric, part of a venture that makes the engines, found a cracked blade during post-accident inspections of another Southwest plane, and spotted four or five more in those of other airlines, Southwest COO Michael Van de Ven said Thursday. “We expect to formalize the interval in a new service bulletin that will be issued in coming days,” GE spokesman Perry Bradley said. Service bulletins are non-binding recommendations on maintenance, but are almost always made mandatory by aviation regulators. Southwest has already cut the inspection interval for older engines almost in half, from 3,000 flights to 1,600, CEO Gary Kelly said. The FAA said in a statement that it’s working with airlines and the engine maker. “As we receive more inspection results we may adjust the compliance time accordingly,” the agency said.<br/>