Preventable Mishap: NTSB Criticizes Boeing for Mid-Air Emergency

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has criticized Boeing for a mid-air emergency involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9, attributing it to unauthorized production work. The NTSB and FAA identified numerous past audits highlighting such issues. Enhanced oversight and inspections have been implemented post-incident.

The head of the National Transportation Safety Board announced on Wednesday that the mid-air emergency of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 was entirely avoidable, attributing it to longstanding issues of unauthorized production work. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that the plane maker should have corrected these problems years ago.

The incident, involving a panel blowing off after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, has led to heightened scrutiny of Boeing's practices. Federal Aviation Administration official Brian Knaup revealed that the agency had found additional unauthorized removals by Boeing. Despite defending the FAA's oversight, Knaup admitted improvements were made post-accident.

Increased unannounced audits and enhanced inspection protocols are now in place, targeting Boeing's 737 factory and Spirit AeroSystems. The NTSB's Homendy expressed concerns that similar issues might recur, noting that significant quality and manufacturing improvements are mandated before any production hikes are allowed.

(With inputs from agencies.)