P.M. BRIEFING : New Cracks Reported in Boeing Jets

Investigators have found severe cracks in the engines of grounded Boeing 737-400s operated by British carriers, the Times of London reported today.

The Department of Civil Aviation, which ordered the aircraft grounded last week, and the Department of Transport said they could not confirm or deny the report.

The Times said the cracks were more serious than the breaking of fan blades in two engines, which occurred during two British flights last week. It said the new cracks have been found on previously untested engines.

The newspaper said detailed reports on the cracks have been sent to the French manufacturer, Snecma.

On Monday, the Department of Civil Aviation grounded the 12 British-operated Boeing 737-400 aircraft powered by CFM56-3C engines. In the United States, Boeing and the engine manufacturer recommended that the U.S. operated 737-400s be grounded for engine modifications.