FAA and Boeing Under Scrutiny After 737 Max Door Incident

Boeing has announced plans to implement design changes aimed at preventing future incidents similar to the midair cabin panel blowout experienced by an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January. Elizabeth Lund, Boeing's senior vice president for quality, stated that the company is working on modifications to ensure that the door plug cannot be closed unless it is securely fastened. This announcement came during a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearing, where investigators revealed that the Alaska flight's door plug was missing four critical bolts. In response to the incident, Boeing has introduced a new warning system at its factories, featuring bright blue and yellow signs instructing workers not to open the door plug. Lund recounted the chaotic moments during the flight, highlighting the severity of the situation. Additionally, representatives from Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier for Boeing, testified about their role in the production process, as Boeing recently agreed to buy back the company for $4.7 billion in stock. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating 16 enforcement cases against Boeing, with several opened since the Alaska Airlines incident. Concerns have been raised about systemic issues within Boeing's factories, including employees not adhering to safety protocols. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy criticized the treatment of employees involved in the incident, suggesting that their reassignment may have been retaliatory. The NTSB plans to survey Boeing workers regarding the company's safety culture, as union representatives claim that safety concerns are often overlooked until federal complaints are filed. The investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the Alaska Airlines flight, which experienced the blowout shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon.