In a six-week audit of Boeing triggered by the door plug blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified various issues with Boeing's production practices. In a press release, the FAA stated that it found non-compliance issues in Boeing's manufacturing process control, parts handling and storage, and product control. However, the agency did not provide further details at this time.

A separate report, released last month but launched prior to the door plug incident, revealed concerning gaps in Boeing's safety culture. These gaps include a disconnect between management and employees, as well as fears among workers about facing retaliation for reporting safety concerns. The FAA emphasized that the findings from both the audit and the separate report should be incorporated into Boeing's quality improvement plan. The company has been given a 90-day deadline to produce the plan.

Boeing has not yet responded to the FAA's statement. However, in January, Boeing CEO David Calhoun acknowledged the need for improvement in the company's quality controls. Calhoun expressed accountability for the incidents and stated that such events should not occur on airplanes leaving their factory. He emphasized the importance of doing better for customers and passengers.

The FAA audit also encompassed major Boeing supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, which manufactures fuselages for the Boeing 737 Max 9 and other components. The FAA stated that it found multiple instances where both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements. It is worth mentioning that Boeing is currently in negotiations to potentially re-acquire Spirit.

The audit involved more than two dozen FAA inspectors who examined Boeing's 737 plant in Renton, Washington. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker testified during a congressional hearing that the agency is not the only government body investigating Boeing's quality issues. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting its own investigation into the Alaska Air flight incident. A preliminary report revealed that four bolts required to secure the door plug were missing when the aircraft left Boeing's factory in October.

Additionally, the Justice Department is reviewing whether the deficiencies discovered after the recent door plug incident violate a deferred prosecution agreement that Boeing had signed with the government following two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max. The investigation could potentially result in criminal liability for Boeing.

The final results of the FAA audit are expected to be crucial in future congressional hearings regarding Boeing's actions. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy will provide an update on the Alaska Flight 1282 investigation to the Senate committee overseeing aviation on Wednesday. The Senate Commerce Committee has indicated that hearings involving Boeing executives will occur after the committee receives the latest investigative findings.

Please note that this article has been updated to include additional reporting and context.