WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — Federal officials are proposing modifications and additional inspections on nearly 2,000 Boeing planes in the United States.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is responding to two incidents in which parts of the cowling that cover the engines broke away from planes. One occurred in 2016, and the fatal accident happened two years later on a Southwest jet flying over Pennsylvania.

The proposal by the FAA on Tuesday largely follows recommendations that Boeing made to airlines in July.  It would require replacing fasteners and other parts near the engines of many older Boeing 737s.

Airlines will have until the end of July 2028 to make the changes, which Boeing developed.

The work won’t be required on Max jets, the newest version of the 737.

The FAA estimated the proposal would affect 1,979 planes registered in the United States.

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