The FAA is investigating Boeing’s 737 Max after a door panel detached on an Alaska Airlines flight.
This incident raised concerns about Boeing’s quality control and triggered a U.S. Justice Department criminal investigation.
The FAA’s six-week audit of Boeing and its key supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, uncovered multiple instances of non-compliance with quality-control requirements. Specifically, the audit revealed issues in Boeing’s manufacturing process control, parts handling and storage, and product control.
Out of 89 product audits, Boeing failed 33, showing major lapses in manufacturing processes and quality control documentation.
The FAA also scrutinized Spirit AeroSystems, the maker of 737 Max fuselages. Of 13 audits, only six passed. Notably, a mechanic used a hotel key card for a door seal check and liquid soap as a lubricant in another instance.
Following the findings, the FAA gave Boeing 90 days to improve quality control. This follows a report revealing a “disconnect” in Boeing’s safety culture, prompted by Congress after two fatal 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people.
Boeing has stated its commitment to implementing immediate changes and developing a comprehensive action plan to enhance safety and quality. The company emphasizes its focus on taking significant, demonstrated action with transparency at every turn[1].
The FAA launched its investigation after a door panel from a 737 Max 9 was ejected following takeoff from Portland, Oregon, on January 5.
The FAA grounded similar jets for checks but allowed their return to service after inspections later that month.
The NTSB is probing the door panel incident, and the Justice Department is investigating Boeing’s practices. This scrutiny follows Boeing’s efforts to rebuild trust and market share after the 737 Max crashes and grounding.
The aviation industry and regulators will closely monitor Boeing’s response to quality issues and investigations to ensure aircraft safety and reliability.