The National Transportation Safety Board NTSB has raised serious concerns over Boeing’s alleged lack of cooperation in the investigation into a recent aviation incident. The incident in question involved a blowout of a door-plug panel on a Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Alaska Airlines.
According to Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the NTSB, Boeing has been uncooperative in disclosing the identities of employees responsible for door panels on Boeing 737s. Investigators are keen to interview these individuals to gather crucial information related to the incident.
Homendy further stated that Boeing has failed to provide documentation regarding a repair job involving the removal and reinstallation of the panel on the affected aircraft. This absence of documentation raises concerns about Boeing’s quality assurance and safety management systems.
In response, Boeing has asserted that it provided the NTSB with the names of all employees involved in 737 door-related work. The company stated that it had previously shared some names with investigators and had recently provided the full list in response to a recent request.
However, the NTSB has stood by Homendy’s testimony, affirming the accuracy of her statements before the Senate Commerce Committee. The agency emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration in such investigations to ensure the integrity of the process.
At the heart of the matter is the question of whether Boeing maintained records of the individuals responsible for removing the plug panel. Boeing suggested that if the removal was undocumented, there would be no documentation to share.
The incident has drawn heightened scrutiny to Boeing, which has faced increasing pressure to address safety concerns and ensure transparency in its dealings with regulatory authorities. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring Boeing’s response and its commitment to safety and accountability in the aviation industry.
