Boeing Withholds Information from Investigators Regarding Faulty Door Panel Incident
ICARO Media Group
In a recent development, Boeing has come under fire for refusing to disclose crucial information about the door panel incident that occurred on a jetliner in January. The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Jennifer Homendy, revealed on Wednesday that Boeing has failed to cooperate with investigators by withholding details about the individuals involved in the repair job and the subsequent removal and reinstallation of the panel on the Boeing 737 Max 9.
Homendy expressed her frustration, stating, "It's absurd that two months later we don't have that information." She emphasized that the lack of documentation raises concerns about quality assurance, quality management, and safety management systems at Boeing. Despite the NTSB's repeated requests, the company has not provided the necessary records, leaving investigators in the dark.
The NTSB's preliminary report revealed that four bolts crucial to securing the door plug were missing once the panel was removed for repairs to damaged rivets last September. While the rivet repairs were carried out by contractors working for Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, investigators are still unaware of the identity of the individuals responsible for removing and replacing the door panel.
Boeing's lack of cooperation extends to the names of the 25-member team, led by a manager, who are alleged to be involved in the incident. The company has declined interview requests from investigators, and the manager of the team, who could potentially shed light on the matter, is currently on medical leave and unavailable for questioning. Additionally, security-camera footage that could have potentially identified the person responsible for removing the panel was inadvertently erased and recorded over 30 days later.
In response to these developments, Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., has announced her intention to encourage Boeing's cooperation with the NTSB. She pointed out that as a leading U.S. exporter and major defense contractor located in her state, it is crucial for Boeing to assist in the investigation and improve the existing system.
This incident adds to the scrutiny already faced by Boeing since the tragic crashes of two Max 8 jets in 2018 and 2019, claiming the lives of 346 people. As a result, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued a 90-day ultimatum for Boeing to address the quality-control issues identified by the agency and a panel comprised of industry and government experts. Despite the improvements implemented by Boeing, concerns surrounding the company's safety culture remain.
Boeing has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the NTSB's findings and the lack of cooperation with the investigation. As the inquiry progresses, stakeholders and aviation enthusiasts eagerly await further updates and clarity on the steps Boeing will take to rectify the situation and ensure the safety of its aircraft.
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