[wellard]

Two 747-400 aircraft purchased recently from Malaysian airlines are currently grounded in Sydney Australia. One of them due to a 3 ft crack along one of the aft production joints, with resulting stress cracks amongst adjoining structure. Further investigation has revealed several more extensive areas of damage along other production joints. How many more flights could have been completed before a catastrophic failure would be hard to say. The cause of the damage currently under investigation by several authorities and Boeing, is pointing to the use of some type of grinder. Thank goodness for the extensive and professional inspections carried out that discovered this *fault* the damage is in areas that are permanently covered by sealant.

I have seen this damage myself and in 23 years in aviation I have never seen or even heard of this sort of, and scale of damage. You will notice that I choosing my words carefully from information that has been released to the press. There is of course a fine line between making the public aware and the danger of causing panic.

If people want to discuss this more they can email me.