A large 777X banner is seen hanging over the Boeing 777X Final Assembly Building floor.LINDSEY WASSON/Reuters
Boeing Co said on Tuesday suspension of final load testing of its new widebody 777X aircraft was due to an issue that involved depressurization of the rear fuselage of the plane.
The company said it was conducting a comprehensive root-cause assessment over the coming weeks, but does not expect the issue to have a significant impact on aircraft design or on the overall test program schedule.
The incident occurred during the final minutes of the test, the company said. The test, which was suspended on Saturday, involves bending the wings of the airplane to a level far beyond anything expected in commercial service.
Media reports said on Saturday a cargo door of the 777X failed in a ground stress test.
Problems with General Electric Co engine had previously delayed the commercial launch of 777X widebody into 2020.
In 2012, Boeing discovered a problem related to the aft fuselage of its 787 Dreamliner planes. The plane maker found that incorrect shimming was performed on the support structure on the aft fuselage.
Shares of the company extended losses in premarket trade on the news, but reversed course to trade 1.5% higher at $364.47 after markets opened.