This paper considers the factors influencing the formation and development of stress corrosion defects detected during the inspection and overhaul of the main gas pipeline section. The surveyed gas pipeline is made of large diameter steel pipes made by controlled rolling, produced by various companies, with the predominance of pipes produced by the Khartsyzsk Pipe Plant (KhPP). The correlation between the geometric parameters of defects is described, which makes it possible to estimate the depth of cracks by external parameters. Mechanical tests by cyclic loading of samples containing cracks, based on the site operation data for the last 11 years, showed no crack growth in the absence of a corrosive medium. Micro-X-ray spectral analysis of metal and corrosion products showed no trace of the influence of hydrogen sulphide and nonmetallic inclusions (sulphides) on the development process of SCC. According to the results of the research, the process of development of stress corrosion on the main gas pipelines located in the European part of the Russian Federation is described. The organization operating the gas pipeline is recommended to take into consideration the results of this work during drawing up their repair plan.