NTSB Intensifies Probe with Boeing Over 737-9 Door Issue, Interviews Ongoing
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has resumed a detailed investigation involving Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of their ongoing examination into the Alaska Airlines 737-9 in-flight door emergency that occurred in January. This week, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy confirmed that investigators have returned to the Boeing 737 production facility in Renton, Washington, to conduct further interviews.
During a recent U.S. Senate hearing, Homendy emphasized the investigation’s scope includes reviewing additional instances where a door plug was manipulated, aiming to confirm that all related activities were properly documented. This move comes in light of Boeing’s admission last month that documentation required for the door plug removal on the implicated Alaska Airlines aircraft might not have been generated.
The urgency of the investigation is underscored by a troubling incident on January 5, when a door plug panel detached from an Alaska Airlines flight shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. The incident has led to heightened scrutiny over Boeing’s record-keeping and operational protocols.
Further complicating the situation, Boeing’s shares dipped 2% following the new round of interviews, reflecting the market’s reaction to the ongoing safety concerns. Boeing has refrained from commenting on the interviews.
In response to the initial findings and the subsequent aircraft incident, the FAA took decisive action by grounding the MAX 9 fleet for several weeks, imposing restrictions on Boeing’s production rates, and mandating a comprehensive audit of the company’s quality-control systems.
Homendy also pointed out that the investigation has been hampered by incomplete records and the inability to interview key personnel, including the manager of the door plug team, due to extended sick leave. The focus of the inquiry is on systemic processes rather than individual culpability.
Looking forward, the NTSB is planning a public investigative hearing on August 6-7 to further delve into the issues surrounding the incident. The hearing is expected to feature testimonies from Boeing employees, representatives from fuselage manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems, and other stakeholders like Alaska Airlines.
As Boeing continues to cooperate with the NTSB by providing necessary documentation, the probe not only seeks to identify the root causes of the January emergency but also assesses Boeing’s overall safety culture. This investigation could lead to significant implications for Boeing’s operational practices and regulatory oversight in the aerospace sector.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com