The Federal Aviation Administration has uncovered numerous issues in a six-week audit of Boeing’s 737 Max production facilities.
This audit was spurred by an incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight where a door panel detached from a 737 Max 9.
It uncovered a number of issues within Boeing and its major supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.
The FAA’s probe revealed a range of quality-control failures at both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, though specific details were initially scarce.
A closer look at the findings found Boeing had issues passing numerous product audits, a process designed to scrutinize various aspects of production.
Out of 89 product audits, Boeing failed 33, totaling 97 instances of alleged noncompliance.
Similarly, Spirit AeroSystems, responsible for manufacturing the fuselage of the 737 Max, also showed deficiencies, failing seven out of 13 product audits.
Boeing had unconventional practices, such as using a hotel key card to check door seals and applying liquid soap as a lubricant, neither formally documented nor approved in the production guidelines.
These findings highlight a laxity in following approved manufacturing procedures and maintaining quality control documentation.
Both companies have responded to the audit’s findings, with Spirit AeroSystems reviewing the identified nonconformities for corrective action.
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FAA gave Boeing a 90-day deadline to propose quality control improvements.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, said: “We have a clear picture of what needs to be done,” citing in part the audit findings.
The FAA’s rigorous inspection and the subsequent findings underline the ongoing challenges Boeing faces in ensuring the safety and reliability of its 737 Max jets.
These audits are part of broader efforts by regulatory bodies to tighten oversight following previous safety incidents involving the 737 Max.
