In a recent hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair Jennifer Homendy expressed frustration at Boeing's failure to provide vital information regarding an incident involving a door plug panel on a Boeing 737 Max 9 jet. More than two months after the incident, key details remain undisclosed, leaving investigators searching for answers.

The preliminary report by the NTSB revealed that four critical bolts, which should have secured the door plug, were missing when the aircraft left Boeing's factory in the previous year. The investigation also discovered that the door plug had been opened during repair work on misdrilled rivets during the assembly process. However, the NTSB is still unable to determine who specifically opened and closed the door plug, as Boeing has not cooperated fully.

During the committee hearing, Homendy informed the senators that Boeing has repeatedly failed to provide the documents and information requested by the NTSB. Despite combing through emails and text messages, the responsible individuals and the exact timeline of the door plug work are still undetermined. Homendy stated, "Boeing has not provided us with documents and information we have requested numerous times."

Boeing, on the other hand, countered Homendy's claims, asserting that they had actively supported the NTSB's investigation from the start. According to Boeing spokesperson Connor Greenwood, they promptly provided the names of relevant employees, including door specialists, to the NTSB. In response to a recent request, they have now submitted a complete list of individuals involved in the 737 door team.

The lack of cooperation from Boeing has sparked frustration amongst lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Senator Maria Cantwell, the chair of the committee, expressed disappointment at the company's failure to cooperate fully with the investigation. Senator Ted Cruz, the committee's ranking member, labeled Boeing's response as "unacceptable" and demanded a report from the NTSB within a week to confirm if Boeing agreed to disclose the requested names and documents.

While it is possible that the specific records the NTSB is seeking may not exist, Homendy emphasized that the absence of documentation would raise serious concerns about Boeing's quality control practices. The company has a purported procedure for maintaining records of work performed and the status of door plugs, but the NTSB has been unable to verify its existence.

The NTSB's ongoing investigation is focusing not only on this incident but also on what regulators at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have referred to as "systemic quality-control issues" within Boeing and its suppliers. The FAA has set a deadline of late May for Boeing to present a plan to address these concerns.

As the investigation continues, the failure to provide crucial information by Boeing raises questions about the company's commitment to transparency and accountability. The NTSB, supported by lawmakers, remains determined to uncover the truth behind this incident and ensure that necessary steps are taken to enhance safety and quality control within the aviation industry.