NTSB: Boeing Lacked Oversight, Training Ahead of 737-9 Max Emergency

Boeing failed to provide adequate training, guidance, and oversight to prevent the mid-air cabin panel blowout of a new 737-9 Max aircraft in January 2024, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said on Tuesday. The incident triggered a major safety crisis for the aerospace giant.

The NTSB issued a scathing report on Boeing’s safety culture, citing the company’s failure to install four critical bolts during the production of an Alaska Airlines 737-9 Max. The board also criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for ineffective oversight.

“This accident was entirely avoidable,” said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy during a board meeting. “The safety deficiencies that led to this accident should have been evident to both Boeing and the FAA. It’s nothing short of a miracle that no one died or was seriously injured.”

The report noted that Boeing ignored unauthorized production practices flagged in internal audits and reports for over a decade. On-the-job training was deemed inadequate, and the company is now working on a design change to prevent the door plug from closing unless it is fully secured.

The blowout led to a Justice Department criminal investigation. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announced his resignation shortly after the incident. Homendy acknowledged incoming CEO Kelly Ortberg, saying he faces significant challenges.

Boeing expressed regret and said it is working to improve safety and quality. The FAA, which grounded the MAX 9 for two weeks, said it will not lift the current production cap of 38 aircraft per month until it is confident in Boeing’s processes.

The NTSB also revealed that Boeing created no documentation for the removal or reinstallation of the door plug and still cannot identify the employees responsible. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker admitted in June 2024 that the agency had been “too hands-off” and has since increased inspections at Boeing and fuselage supplier Spirit AeroSystems.

Boeing previously agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud conspiracy after two fatal 737 MAX crashes but recently reached a new deal with the Justice Department to avoid a guilty plea and oversight by an external monitor. The deal awaits judicial approval.

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