Boeing faced regulatory rebuke after revealing that missing paperwork played a major role in a harrowing incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight in January, CNN reported.
The incident, where a door plug detached mid-flight on a Boeing 737 Max, triggering a sudden decompression at 16,000 feet, was mainly due to the lack of critical documentation to secure the plug properly.
During a media briefing at Boeing's 737 Max factory in Renton, Washington, the company disclosed that essential bolts securing the door plug were never installed due to a paperwork oversight. This lapse meant workers tasked with reinstalling the bolts were unaware of the necessary task.
Boeing vs. Safety Board
In response, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) condemned Boeing for publicly disclosing investigative details that were not authorized for release. The NTSB also accused Boeing of violating regulations by preempting official findings and offering its incident analysis.
In response, Boeing regretted its briefing, acknowledging that it overstepped by prematurely sharing sensitive investigative information. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency but admitted fault in not adhering to the NTSB's guidelines.
This mishap will add to Boeing's multiple federal investigations and whistleblower reports.
Boeing executives, including senior vice president Elizabeth Lund, outlined steps to rectify the issue, including a slowdown in production to ensure thorough compliance with safety protocols.
During a Senate hearing, Boeing CEO Calhoun reaffirmed the company's safety standards, just after another whistleblower revealed that they purposely hid faulty parts that caused the 737 Max Plane accident.
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