Boeing Fails to Preserve Crucial Security Footage of Max Jet Door Incident, NTSB Reports

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has disclosed that Boeing did not retain security camera footage documenting the work on a Max 9 jet door plug, which later malfunctioned mid-air, leading to an emergency landing of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. This revelation comes amidst ongoing investigations into the January incident that necessitated the emergency landing of the flight, carrying 177 passengers.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed the investigative challenges posed by the absence of crucial documentation and footage in a letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The committee is currently examining the incident alongside Boeing’s accountability. “We still do not know who performed the work to open, reinstall, and close the door plug on the accident aircraft,” Homendy stated, emphasizing that Boeing has been unable to provide records of the maintenance work.

Boeing’s spokesperson indicated that the company’s policy does not extend the retention of security footage beyond 30 days, noting that the Alaska Airlines plane had been in the factory in September of the previous year and was delivered in October.

Homendy also highlighted her attempt to directly engage Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun for information regarding the employees involved in the maintenance work, only to be informed that Boeing could not furnish such details or any records of the work performed.

This incident has further strained relations between Boeing and regulatory bodies, with Homendy previously criticizing Boeing for its lack of cooperation in providing requested information, terming it “absurd.” Adding to Boeing’s scrutiny, the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation into the door plug incident.

The controversy surrounding Boeing’s practices was compounded by the tragic death of a whistleblower, John Barnett, who was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Barnett was preparing to testify in a federal legal action against Boeing, with his family citing his concerns over a “culture of concealment” and prioritization of “profits over safety” within the company.

Additionally, an FAA audit of Boeing’s 737 Max production has reportedly identified numerous issues, casting a shadow over Boeing’s operational integrity and its impact on major carriers. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and United Airlines have expressed potential capacity reductions and delays in Boeing orders due to these ongoing issues.

As Boeing faces increasing scrutiny and demands for operational improvements, industry leaders, including Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan, emphasize the need for Boeing to evolve as a company to ensure timely and safe deliveries in the future.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, nbcnews.com