Boeing faces new inquiry over 787 inspection doubts
The US has initiated a fresh investigation into Boeing, the troubled aircraft manufacturer, following disclosures to air safety regulators that it may have failed to conduct proper inspections on its 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced its intention to probe potential falsification of records by Boeing personnel.
In response, Boeing has commenced reinspection of all 787 jets currently in production.
Additionally, Boeing is mandated to formulate an “action plan” to rectify concerns regarding the Dreamliner aircraft already in operational service, as per the FAA’s directive.
Boeing declined to provide a comment.
Internally, it informed employees last week that the identified “misconduct” did not pose an immediate safety risk, according to a message obtained by BBC News.
Scott Stocker, the head of the Boeing 787 program, stated in an email to staff that following a swift review, it was found that several individuals had violated company protocols by neglecting a mandatory test while falsely documenting completion of the task.
The FAA revealed that Boeing had voluntarily alerted them last month about potential lapses in completing inspections necessary to ensure sufficient electrical safeguards at the junction of wings and fuselage in certain 787 Dreamliners, commonly utilized for long-haul international flights.
The FAA’s investigation aims to ascertain whether Boeing executed the required inspections and whether there was any falsification of aircraft records by company personnel.
“As the investigation continues, the FAA will take any necessary action – as always – to ensure the safety of the flying public.”
It is the latest problem to erupt at Boeing since January, when an unused emergency exit door blew off a new 737 Max 9 plane shortly after take-off, thrusting its manufacturing and safety processes into the spotlight.
The incident prompted the temporary grounding of dozens of planes and has forced the firm to drastically slow production while sparking increased regulatory oversight, criminal investigation, and other legal and financial troubles.
In March, chief executive Dave Calhoun said he would be stepping down by the end of the year, becoming the most high-profile person to exit the company in the wake of the incident.
Last month, Congress hosted a hearing featuring whistleblowers, including Sam Salehpour who testified that his concerns about the 787 had been dismissed.
Boeing has said it is working to reform its corporate culture to encourage people who see problems to speak out, with a “more than 500% increase” in reports from employees since January.
