Aviation expert Scott Hamilton believes that Boeing may not be to blame for recent in-flight incidents involving its aircraft, including a runway excursion, tire falling off during take-off, and an engine flare-up. He attributes these incidents to human error, runway conditions, and airline maintenance issues rather than faults with the aircraft manufacturer. Despite this, the incidents add to the ongoing scrutiny of Boeing's safety image, particularly following previous crashes and concerns about quality control.
The FAA is investigating a recent runway incident at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport involving an American Airlines flight and a Delta plane that came within 200 feet vertically and 850 feet horizontally of each other. This is the latest in a string of close calls at major airports, prompting the FAA to remind airlines to be vigilant. The investigation will determine whether the incident is classified as an incursion.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has called for a review of the "root causes" of an "uptick" in aviation incidents, including a series of near collisions on runways across the US. The FAA is investigating the incidents, which range from overstressed pilots and flight attendants to better air traffic control technology. The agency is looking for "ways to address areas where the existing safety system could be tightened," including finding new technology to help alert air traffic controllers when airplanes and other vehicles are on a collision course on runways and taxiways.
