The FAA is seeking a $3.1 million fine from Boeing for safety violations related to manufacturing lapses and a door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, with investigations revealing systemic quality issues and pressure to meet delivery schedules. Boeing is reviewing the proposed penalty and has acknowledged the incident, emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve safety and quality.
The NTSB report revealed that a Boeing 737 Max experienced a door plug blowout due to missing bolts, which were removed during manufacturing and never reinstalled, highlighting Boeing's failure in oversight and training. The incident, which occurred over Portland, resulted in no injuries but raised serious safety concerns and ongoing investigations into Boeing's manufacturing practices and other crashes.
The NTSB is set to determine the cause of a Boeing 737 Max door plug blowout that occurred at 16,000 feet, which was linked to missing bolts during manufacturing. The incident raises concerns about Boeing's safety practices amid ongoing scrutiny following previous crashes and recent aircraft issues. The final report will clarify responsibility and potentially impact Boeing's reputation and oversight.
The Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into the door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight in January, contacting passengers and interviewing crew members. The incident involved a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane, prompting a temporary grounding of some aircraft. Investigators are examining whether Boeing complied with a previous settlement following the 2018 and 2019 737 Max 8 crashes. The DOJ could prosecute Boeing for violating the terms of the settlement, potentially extending a probationary agreement. Several passengers have filed lawsuits against Alaska Airlines and Boeing, alleging negligence and seeking accountability. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration found manufacturing quality control failures in an audit of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems.
Four passengers are suing Alaska Airlines and Boeing for the "terror" they experienced after a door plug blew off during their flight, causing depressurization and exposing passengers to open air. The lawsuit alleges negligence and product liability against Boeing and Alaska Airlines. The incident is under investigation by the NTSB, and FAA has grounded approximately 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 planes worldwide. Alaska Airlines has grounded its Max 9 fleet and offered refunds to passengers.