Officials testified that the firm would not identify who worked on the blown-out committee, and video footage of the work was obliterated.

Boeing has come under fire for refusing to disclose crucial information regarding the incident involving a door plug detaching from a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner during flight in January, according to Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Lack of Cooperation with Investigators

Boeing has failed to provide investigators with details about the personnel who worked on the door plug and the repair job that involved removing and reinstalling the panel. 

Additionally, Boeing has not clarified whether records of the repair job were maintained, raising concerns about the company’s quality assurance and safety management systems.

Concerns Raised by NTSB

Jennifer Homendy expressed dismay at the lack of cooperation from Boeing, highlighting the importance of obtaining this information for a thorough investigation. 

She emphasized that without access to this critical data, questions about Boeing’s safety protocols persist.

Response from Lawmakers

Lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, expressed outrage at Boeing’s refusal to cooperate with investigators, labeling it as “utterly unacceptable.”

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NTSB Findings and Ongoing Investigation

In a preliminary report, the NTSB revealed that four bolts crucial for securing the door plug were missing after the panel was removed for repair work. The investigation is ongoing, but key details about the removal and replacement of the panel remain undisclosed.

Boeing’s Response

Boeing has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding its refusal to provide necessary information to investigators.

FAA Deadline and Safety Concerns

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given Boeing 90 days to address quality-control issues highlighted by the agency and an industry-government panel. 

The panel identified deficiencies in Boeing’s safety culture despite previous efforts to improve following the crashes of two Max 8 jets in 2018 and 2019.

Conclusion

Boeing’s lack of transparency and cooperation with investigators has raised serious concerns about the company’s commitment to safety and quality control. 

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with pressure mounting on Boeing to provide essential information for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the door plug detachment.