Title: FAA Discloses 16 Pending Enforcement Cases Against Boeing Following Door Plug Mishap
Introduction:
In a recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearing, it was revealed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has 16 pending enforcement cases against Boeing. This disclosure comes after a door plug blew off a 737 Max midflight during an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5. The increase in cases, half of which were opened after the incident, raises concerns about Boeing’s oversight and safety practices. This article delves into the details of the incident, the FAA’s enforcement cases, and the broader implications for Boeing’s safety culture.
I. Door Plug Mishap Raises Questions About Boeing’s Oversight
A. Mistake in maintenance leads to accident
During the NTSB hearing, Brian Knaup, who oversees the FAA’s Boeing oversight, highlighted that one of the open cases involves the removal of parts that had already been installed on airplanes in production. This error, which caused the Alaska Airlines accident, occurred when bolts were not replaced after opening the door plug for maintenance. The missing bolts were never found, indicating poor tracking of parts-removal jobs by Boeing.
B. Boeing’s poor documentation and lack of accountability
Boeing’s failure to document who opened the door plug and the subsequent disappearance of the bolts raise concerns about the company’s accountability and transparency. The NTSB Chair, Jennifer Homendy, cited testimony from Boeing employees who claimed they were pressured to build planes quickly without raising safety concerns. Two workers involved in the assembly of the Alaska Airlines plane were reportedly sidelined or relocated as a form of retaliation.
C. Safety culture at Boeing questioned
Homendy expressed concern about Boeing’s safety culture and announced plans to survey workers at Boeing’s factory in Renton, Washington. This survey aims to assess the company’s commitment to safety and address reports of retaliation against employees who raise safety concerns. While Boeing officials highlighted their “Speak Up” program, which encourages reporting concerns, representatives from the machinists’ union noted that safety concerns raised by the union are often ignored until they lodge complaints with federal regulators.
II. FAA Faces Scrutiny Over Oversight of Boeing
A. FAA’s history of lax regulation
The FAA has faced criticism for its inadequate regulation of Boeing, particularly following the two deadly crashes of the 737 Max in 2018 and 2019. These crashes resulted in the loss of 346 lives and raised questions about the FAA’s oversight. The agency’s chief, Mike Whitaker, admitted that FAA oversight was “too hands-off” during a congressional hearing in June but emphasized that improvements have been made.
B. Increased inspections and oversight
To address concerns, the FAA has increased inspections and oversight since the door plug blowout. FAA manager Brian Knaup affirmed that safety inspectors have the authority to speak to anyone on the Boeing factory floor during audits. These measures aim to enhance accountability and ensure that safety protocols are being followed.
III. Revisions and Future Measures
A. Boeing’s response and redesign plans
Following the incident, Boeing has announced plans to redesign door plugs to prevent closure until they are properly secured. Elizabeth Lund, Boeing’s senior vice president of quality, stated that the company aims to complete the fix within a year and retrofit existing 737s in service.
Conclusion:
The recent disclosure of 16 pending enforcement cases against Boeing by the FAA highlights ongoing concerns about the company’s oversight and safety practices. The door plug mishap during the Alaska Airlines flight has brought attention to Boeing’s poor tracking of parts-removal jobs and its failure to address safety concerns raised by employees. While the FAA has faced criticism for lax regulation in the past, recent measures such as increased inspections indicate a commitment to improving oversight. As Boeing works to redesign door plugs and enhance safety protocols, it is crucial for the company to foster a culture that encourages open reporting of safety concerns and avoids retaliation against employees.
