Boeing is currently under investigation by US regulators following a recent incident involving a Boeing 737 Max 8 flown by Southwest Airlines. The aircraft experienced a dangerous side-to-side movement known as a Dutch roll while in the air. This comes at a time when the safety record of Boeing planes is being closely scrutinized.
In addition to the Dutch roll incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also looking into reports of potentially falsified documents used to certify titanium in Boeing planes. Boeing has stated that the issue is “industry-wide” and involves a limited number of suppliers. The company has conducted tests which indicate that the correct alloy was used, despite the false documentation. Affected parts are being removed from airplanes prior to delivery to ensure compliance and safety.
The New York Times reported that a supplier to Spirit AeroSystems, which manufactures parts for Boeing and Airbus, discovered the issue after observing corrosion holes. Spirit has conducted over 1,000 tests on suspect parts and has removed them from production. The FAA has issued a bulletin to suppliers to be vigilant for counterfeit records and is investigating the scope of the problem.
The Dutch roll incident occurred on a flight from Phoenix, Arizona to Oakland, California on May 25th. While the aircraft regained control and no injuries were reported, the plane sustained substantial damage. A post-flight inspection revealed significant damage to a unit providing backup power to the rudder. Despite the seriousness of the incident, experts believe it may be an isolated event rather than a widespread issue for Boeing.
Safety advocates have raised concerns about the quality of Boeing’s recent aircraft production. A panel breaking off a plane mid-air in January heightened these concerns, leading to lawsuits and increased oversight of Boeing. The company has since slowed production and presented the FAA with an action plan to address the issues.
The investigation into the Dutch roll incident and the falsified documents is ongoing, with regulators working to ensure the safety and compliance of Boeing planes. It is crucial for the aviation industry to address these issues promptly and transparently to maintain the trust and confidence of the flying public.