On Monday, it was reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) audit of Boeing’s production process for 737 MAX failed 33 of 89 tests when a panel blew off on an Alaska Airlines jet in January. The audit investigated various aspects, and Boeing failed one that dealt with the door plug component that blew off the jet.
The FAA presentation, viewed by some sources, revealed that the supplier Spirit AeroSystems passed six of 13 audits and failed the rest, including the audit that focused on the door plug component, which found five problems. The audit raised concerns about the technicians who carried out the work, and it found that the company “failed to determine the knowledge necessary for the operation of its processes.” The report also mentioned that Spirit failed other audits that involved a cargo door and the installation of cockpit windows.
Boeing is continuing to implement immediate changes and is developing a plan to strengthen safety and quality based on the FAA audit. In an emailed statement to Reuters, the plane maker said that it hopes to define the milestones the manufacturer must meet to increase the MAX production rate in the next 30 days. The FAA’s Michael Whitaker said that the agency and Boeing are working together to improve safety and quality. Last week, the agency found “non-compliance issues in Boeing’s manufacturing process control, parts handling and storage, and product control.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said earlier in the day that he expects Boeing to cooperate in investigations by the Justice Department and National Transportation Safety Board into the 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency on Jan. 5.