Allegations from Boeing factory workers reveal that they were under pressure to work quickly and were assigned tasks they were not qualified for, such as handling the door plug that later caused an incident with an Alaska Airlines jet.
These revelations came to light during a two-day hearing held by federal investigators to examine the incident, which further damaged Boeing’s safety reputation and exposed the company to legal risks.
One Boeing employee responsible for installing doors stated that while he was not explicitly instructed to take shortcuts, there was a general expectation to keep the assembly line moving at a fast pace, leading to potential mistakes due to rushing. The employee, along with others, raised concerns about the lack of proper training and qualifications for handling door plugs.
The panel that detached from the Boeing 737 Max aircraft in January was manufactured and installed by a supplier, Spirit AeroSystems. Workers at a Boeing factory later removed the panel for repairs, but failed to replace bolts securing the door plug, ultimately contributing to the incident.
An additional Boeing worker highlighted the lack of specialized training for dealing with door plugs and criticized the company’s safety culture, suggesting that workers were being placed in unfamiliar and risky situations without adequate support.
The detailed testimonies of various employees were part of over 3,000 pages of documents released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) during the investigative hearing into the January incident.
The incident occurred during an Alaska Airlines flight, causing extensive damage and distress for both crew members and passengers. The NTSB expressed regret for the traumatic experience and launched an investigation to determine the root causes of the incident.
The NTSB’s preliminary report indicated that crucial bolts securing the door plug were not replaced after a maintenance task at a Boeing facility, raising questions about oversight and documentation processes within the company.
Boeing and Spirit officials cited turnover and reduced experience levels within their workforce as contributing factors to the incident. Efforts are underway to enhance training and safety measures moving forward.
The NTSB hearing serves as a fact-finding process, with further investigations expected to determine the probable cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. Both Boeing and regulatory agencies are focused on addressing systemic issues and ensuring the safety of aircraft production processes.
Witnesses scheduled to testify during the hearing will shed light on FAA oversight of Boeing and its role in ensuring compliance and safety standards within the aviation industry. Efforts are being made to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure accountability for all parties involved.
The incident underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in aircraft production and operation, with a collective effort needed to prevent future accidents and protect passengers and crew members.
