The FAA has proposed an airworthiness directive covering 453 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after finding that some passenger seat assemblies may have been incorrectly installed in the seat tracks.
The proposal affects certain 737 MAX 8, 737 MAX 9 and 737 MAX 8200 aircraft. The agency is seeking inspections and corrective action rather than an immediate grounding, saying the aft fitting shear plungers were not correctly lowered and engaged in the seat tracks, a condition that could allow a seat to disengage under high load, turbulence or an emergency landing.
The FAA said improperly installed seats could injure passengers and crew or obstruct the aisle and slow evacuation in an emergency. It estimated the work at about $85 per seat assembly, with total U.S. operator costs reaching up to $2.66 million, although Boeing has said some or all of those costs may be covered under warranty. Comments on the proposal are due by 10 September 2026.