Boeing grounds 777X test fleet after finding cracks in engine mounting structure

Boeing (NYSE:BA) is grounding its 777X test fleet after an inspection found cracks in a key engine mounting structure, Air Current reported Monday.

Boeing (BA) has orders for 540 of the new aircraft that it plans to start delivering in 2025, and the impact of the latest problem on the plane’s launch date is not yet known.

The issue marks the latest setback to Boeing’s (BA) effort to certify its largest jetliner, which already is about five years behind schedule, after finally starting flight tests with U.S. regulators on board last month.

“During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed,” the company said. “Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready.”

Boeing (BA) described the part as a structural component between the engine and the airplane.

Earlier Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an airworthiness directive requiring inspections of Boeing’s (BA) 787 Dreamliners, in response to an incident in March when a Latam Airlines jet took a sudden nosedive after a cockpit seat reportedly moved, injuring more than 50 passengers.