Boeing, and Spirit AeroSystems executives are set to testify at a two-day National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearing on the mid-air blowout of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 door plug in January. This incident occurred during a flight when the plane was climbing to cruise altitude, and the blowout resulted in an emergency landing.
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The hearing, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, will focus on the investigation into the cause of the blowout. Among those testifying will be Boeing's senior vice president for quality Elizabeth Lund and Doug Ackerman, vice president of supplier quality for Boeing. From Spirit AeroSystems, Terry George, senior vice president and general manager for Boeing Program, and Scott Grabon, a senior director for 737 quality, will also provide testimony.
The NTSB has identified that four bolts used to secure the door plug were missing when the plane rolled out of Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington. The door plug was installed at Spirit AeroSystems' plant in Wichita, Kansas, but was later removed at the Boeing plant to repair damaged rivets. This incident has raised questions about the manufacturing and inspection processes at both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems. The NTSB's investigation aims to gather more information about the incident and make recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The hearing will also examine Boeing's safety and quality management systems, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of the company.
The NTSB displayed the recovered door plug to the media last month, highlighting its significance in the investigation. The hearing will provide an opportunity for Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems executives to present their perspectives on the incident and answer questions from the NTSB and other participants. This hearing comes at a crucial time for Boeing, as the company recently agreed to buy back Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion in stock. Additionally, Boeing has faced scrutiny over its handling of the investigation into the incident, with the NTSB accusing the company of violating investigation rules by providing non-public information to the media. The NTSB hearing is expected to shed light on the events leading up to the blowout and help determine the next steps in ensuring the safety of Boeing's aircraft. The outcome of the hearing may have significant implications for Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and the broader aviation industry.