Boeing Unable to Provide Records of Employees Working on Alaska Airlines Door Plug, NTSB Says

Boeing faces scrutiny as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveals that the company has been unable to produce records of employees who worked on the door plug that blew out midair on an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Despite repeated requests, Boeing has not provided the names of individuals involved in the maintenance, leading to concerns about accountability and transparency in the investigation.

Key Points:

1. Lack of Documentation: The NTSB reports that Boeing has failed to maintain records documenting the employees who worked on the door plug, raising questions about accountability and oversight within the company’s maintenance procedures.
2. NTSB’s Frustration: NTSB leader Jennifer Homendy expressed frustration over Boeing’s inability to provide crucial information, stating that the company’s response has not brought them closer to obtaining the necessary details about the maintenance work.
3. Boeing’s Response: Boeing CEO David Calhoun informed the NTSB that the company has no records of the work being performed, further complicating the investigation into the incident. Boeing emphasizes its commitment to supporting the NTSB’s investigation but declines to address specific assertions made by Homendy.
4. Ongoing Scrutiny: This incident adds to Boeing’s challenges, as the company faces multiple investigations and probes, including a Justice Department inquiry. Concerns over quality control and transparency persist, particularly regarding Boeing’s 737 MAX line and its fuselage contractor, Spirit AeroSystems.
5. Security Footage Overwritten: Compounding the lack of documentation, security camera footage that could have aided the investigation has been overwritten, according to Homendy. Boeing maintains that this action aligns with standard practice.
6. NTSB’s Warning to Boeing: The NTSB has admonished Boeing for potentially breaching its agreement by disclosing information about the ongoing investigation. The board emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality until the final report is issued.

Conclusion: Boeing’s inability to provide records of employees involved in the maintenance of the Alaska Airlines door plug raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the aviation industry. As investigations continue, stakeholders seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident and measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.