New York, United States: US aviation authorities are currently looking into whether Boeing followed through with necessary inspections on its 787 aircraft and if there were any instances of falsifying records by employees, officials revealed on Monday.
The focus is on verifying if Boeing carried out essential inspections to ensure proper bonding and grounding where the wings connect to the fuselage on specific 787 Dreamliner planes, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA initiated the investigation after Boeing disclosed potential lapses in required inspections, crucial for maintaining safe and effective electrical connections between aircraft parts.
The agency stated, “We are investigating whether Boeing completed these inspections and if there were any instances of falsification of aircraft records.” Additionally, Boeing is conducting re-inspections on all 787 planes still in production and is developing a plan to address those already in service.
The issue came to light when a Boeing employee noticed an anomaly and reported it to a supervisor, prompting further investigation.
Scott Stocker, head of the Boeing 787 program, informed staff via email, “Upon review, it was found that several individuals had violated company protocols by not conducting a mandatory test but falsely documenting completion.” Stocker emphasized that the problem, although serious, was not an immediate flight safety risk according to engineering evaluations.
This inquiry adds to Boeing’s ongoing challenges following a near-disastrous incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight in January, where a panel on the fuselage failed.
The FAA has given Boeing three months to devise a plan addressing “systemic quality-control issues.”
Boeing’s handling of the 787 program was scrutinized during an April 17 Senate hearing, during which a company whistleblower alleged retaliation for raising concerns about manufacturing practices potentially jeopardizing safety.
An FAA advisory panel audit earlier in February highlighted significant deficiencies in Boeing’s safety culture, noting a gap between senior management and other employees and skepticism regarding safety grievances leading to reprisals.
Stocker commended the employee who raised the issue, emphasizing the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of integrity.
Industry experts caution that Boeing’s issues point to deep-rooted safety culture problems that won’t be resolved quickly.
Observers are keenly watching for clues regarding Boeing’s future leadership after CEO Dave Calhoun announced his intention to step down by year-end.
Proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis has advised shareholders to vote against Calhoun’s re-election and that of two other board members responsible for audit and aerospace safety committees, citing dissatisfaction with the company’s safety culture oversight and transformation efforts, particularly in the aftermath of the Alaska incident.
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