NTSB Faces Challenges in Boeing Jet Panel Investigation Due to Lack of Records
Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), has highlighted significant obstacles in the ongoing investigation of a panel that detached from a Boeing 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. In a recent development, Homendy disclosed that Boeing’s CEO was unable to assist in identifying the employees who worked on the problematic panel due to the absence of pertinent records.
The incident, which occurred on January 5, 2024, during Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, has prompted an in-depth examination by the NTSB. However, the investigation has been hampered by the unavailability of documentation detailing who performed the maintenance work on the aircraft’s panel. This lack of information, according to Homendy, complicates the NTSB’s efforts to understand the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Boeing, in a statement, reiterated its commitment to supporting the investigation, a stance the company has maintained throughout the process. Despite this pledge, the NTSB’s request for security camera footage that could potentially identify the involved personnel was met with the revelation that such video was overwritten after 30 days, as per Boeing’s standard practice, well before the NTSB sought access to it.
In a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee, which is also probing the January incident, Homendy expressed her frustration over the inability to pinpoint the workers responsible for handling the jet’s panel. The issue was further emphasized during a direct conversation with Boeing CEO David Calhoun, who confirmed the company’s lack of records concerning the task.
Following her Senate committee testimony, Boeing responded by providing a list of 25 employees involved in door-related operations at its 737 production facility near Seattle. However, the specific individuals who removed the panel have yet to be identified. Homendy’s approach reflects a cautious balance, aiming to gather essential information while ensuring the confidentiality of Boeing employees willing to come forward.
The challenge of proceeding without detailed work records underscores the complexity of aviation accident investigations and highlights the critical need for thorough documentation in maintaining aircraft safety. As the NTSB continues its investigation, safeguarding the anonymity of those who contribute to understanding the incident remains a priority, despite the roadblocks posed by missing data.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com