FAA Boeing Audit Illuminates 737 Production Issues

The aircraft manufacturer failed 33 of 89 tests in a production audit, according to the aviation safety agency.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 04:10 PM ET

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A federal investigation into the Alaska Airlines door plug blowout, caused by missing bolts, has intensified, with the NTSB accusing Boeing of "stonewalling" documentation requests.
FAA audits uncovered widespread manufacturing and quality control failures at Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, including numerous failed product audits and unapproved practices.
In response, the FAA has halted Boeing 737 Max production expansion, mandated a comprehensive action plan for quality improvements, and initiated a formal investigation, with the Department of Justice also investigating.

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A federal investigation has intensified after Boeing failed product audits and has not provided documentation on the removal and subsequent reinstallation of a door plug that failed on a Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 flight in January.

According to the preliminary report by the Nation Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the four bolts that were supposed to hold the door plug in place were not installed. The investigation revealed the door plug had been removed for maintenance because of improperly installed rivets.