Boeing Under Investigation After 737 Max Incident
- A door plug blowout incident on a January 5 Alaska Airlines flight has led to increased scrutiny of Boeing's safety measures.
- The incident has triggered legal issues for Boeing, as concerns about the 737 Max model intensify.
- Boeing is attempting to mitigate the damage by improving its public image and taking measures to address safety criticisms.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) convened a rare public hearing to investigate a serious incident involving an Alaska Air flight on January 5, where a door plug malfunction resulted in a significant breach in the aircraft's structure. Boeing's reputation has already been under scrutiny, and during the hearing, Elizabeth Lund, senior vice president of quality for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, acknowledged confusion regarding the installation of the door plug, admitting that it remains unclear who was responsible for its placement and when it occurred. To address safety concerns, Boeing has implemented a straightforward solution: attaching laminated tags to door plugs that read "Do not open" in large letters, with a reminder to contact quality assurance in smaller print. However, testimony from Boeing employees revealed dissatisfaction with the training provided for critical tasks, such as reinstalling door plugs. NTSB board members criticized Boeing for focusing on post-incident responses rather than addressing the underlying issues that led to the incident. The NTSB released a trove of documents, revealing alarming statements from Boeing employees and experts, highlighting systemic problems within the company. One worker described the situation as akin to "replacing doors like we were replacing our underwear," while a former FAA official attributed the issues to Boeing's shift to a cost-cutting "lean" manufacturing model that compromised inspection protocols. Despite Lund's assurances of commitment to improvement, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized that Boeing had ample evidence of quality issues prior to the Alaska Air incident and urged the company to prioritize safety to prevent future tragedies.