Renton, Washington – Boeing’s manufacturing practices came under scrutiny after an alarming incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 Max in Portland, Oregon. The lack of paperwork on the 737 Max led to a door plug blowing out ten minutes into the flight on January 5, sparking concerns about the safety of the aircraft.

Boeing disclosed that the missing paperwork not only hindered efforts to identify the individuals responsible for the oversight but also potentially contributed to the problem. The lack of documentation meant that essential bolts needed to secure the door plug were never installed at the factory. The workers tasked with the installation were unaware of the need for these bolts due to the absence of proper instructions.

This incident highlighted broader issues with the quality of work along Boeing’s assembly lines. Federal investigations and whistleblower revelations have shed light on systemic problems affecting not only Boeing but also causing delays in jet deliveries worldwide, impacting airlines and passengers alike.

However, Boeing faced further scrutiny for revealing details of the incident prematurely. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reprimanded the company for sharing “non-public investigative information” with the media, violating agency rules and potentially compromising the ongoing investigation. The NTSB announced that it would no longer share information with Boeing and referred the matter to the Department of Justice.

During a briefing, Boeing attributed the mishap to miscommunication between different groups of employees involved in removing and reinstalling the door plug. The initial group failed to generate necessary paperwork when addressing rivet issues, leading to the plug being reinstalled without the required bolts. As a result, the aircraft flew for two months with the door plug insecure before the incident in January.

Boeing’s senior vice president of quality, Elizabeth Lund, acknowledged the oversight and outlined measures to prevent similar incidents, including slowing down assembly line processes. The company aims to ensure that safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent such lapses in the future. Despite the challenges and regulatory scrutiny, Boeing remains committed to addressing the root causes of the incident and enhancing safety measures in its operations.