After part of a Boeing plane broke off in flight, the US aviation authority has initiated an investigation against the company. It should be investigated whether he has violated duties in production and inspection.
After the near-accident with a Boeing aircraft, in which a part of the fuselage fell out in flight, the US aviation authority FAA has initiated an investigation against the company. The circumstances indicated that the aircraft manufacturer may have neglected its production, inspection and testing obligations, it said in a published letter to Boeing. The company was given ten working days to respond.
Over the weekend, the FAA ordered Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft to be grounded and inspected. The affected component closes a door opening that is not required in the model variant. On an Alaska Airlines flight on Friday last week, it was suddenly torn out during climb shortly after takeoff. During subsequent inspections, Alaska and United Airlines also found loose fasteners in other aircraft of the type.
The FAA now wants to investigate whether Boeing failed to take the necessary precautions for the safe use of the aircraft part. According to investigators, four bolts used to fasten it have not yet been found. It is unclear whether these were even used when the plane took off.
Boeing promises clarification
After the FAA letter, Boeing reiterated that it would work transparently with the aviation authority and the accident investigation agency NTSB. CEO Dave Calhoun had already promised full clarification this week. “We will approach this first and foremost by admitting our mistake,” he told employees.
Despite the hole in the machine, the plane was able to make an emergency landing. No serious injuries were reported among the plane’s occupants. At the same time, experts pointed out that, by a lucky coincidence, the two seats directly next to the part of the fuselage that had broken out remained empty.