Boeing is facing scrutiny once again after a near catastrophic blowout of a door plug on a Boeing 737 Max 9 earlier this year. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a full two-day hearing about Flight 1282 and released over 3,000 pages of documents, including interviews with Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems employees. The preliminary investigation revealed that bolts meant to hold the door in place were not attached, highlighting manufacturing flaws and safety procedures at Boeing.
During the hearing, Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the NTSB, emphasized that the investigation was not a PR campaign for Boeing but a serious examination of the incident. Elizabeth Lund, head of safety for Boeing’s commercial airplane unit, acknowledged that design changes are being made to prevent similar incidents in the future. These changes would ensure that the door plug remains open if there are any issues until it is securely fastened. Lund expects these modifications to be implemented within the year.
The blowout incident has had significant consequences for Boeing. It has caused delays in plane deliveries to customers, further damaging the company’s relationship with airlines and regulators. As a result, Boeing has undergone a management shakeup, with the appointment of a new CEO, Robert “Kelly” Ortberg, who previously led Rockwell Collins.
Outgoing CEO Dave Calhoun has acknowledged the need to address manufacturing flaws and defects. Boeing is actively working to eliminate “traveled work,” which refers to fixing defective components out of sequence before delivering the aircraft to customers. The company is also in the process of acquiring Spirit AeroSystems to enhance quality control.
The testimonies from Boeing workers shed light on the challenges the company has been facing. One employee noted that they were replacing doors on a regular basis and that the planes arrived with issues daily. This highlights the urgency for Boeing to address its manufacturing and quality control processes.
Overall, the blowout incident has put Boeing under intense scrutiny once again. The NTSB investigation has revealed manufacturing flaws and safety concerns that need to be addressed. Boeing’s commitment to design changes and improvements is crucial to regain trust from both airlines and regulators. The new CEO, Robert Ortberg, will have the responsibility of leading Boeing through this challenging period and ensuring the company’s commitment to safety and quality.
