NTSB Investigation: Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems in Focus

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will question key witnesses from Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door seal that exploded in mid-air in January. During the two-day investigative hearing, the agency plans to release documents including factual reports and exhibits from the ongoing investigation. The incident has significantly damaged Boeing's reputation, leading to a two-week grounding of the MAX 9, a production halt by the FAA, a criminal investigation, and the resignation of several executives. Boeing has committed to substantial quality improvements. Among the witnesses scheduled to testify during the 20-hour hearings are Elizabeth Lund, Senior Vice President for Quality at Boeing, and Doug Ackerman, Vice President for Supplier Quality at Boeing. Also appearing will be Terry George, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Programs at Spirit AeroSystems, and Scott Grabon, a Senior Director for 737 Quality at Spirit, which manufactures the fuselage for the MAX. Last month, Boeing agreed to repurchase Spirit AeroSystems, whose main operations were spun off in 2005, for $4.7 billion in stock. The hearing will examine topics such as 737 manufacturing and inspections, safety and quality management systems, FAA oversight, and issues surrounding the opening and closing of the door seal. Boeing indicated that it has no records documenting the removal of four missing key bolts. Boeing and the FAA declined to comment. A Spirit spokesperson stated that the company is "fully committed to cooperating with the NTSB in their investigation of the incident." In June, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker stated that the agency had been "too hands-off" in its oversight of Boeing before January. Also in June, the NTSB found that Boeing violated investigative rules when Lund shared non-public information with the media and speculated on possible causes. The NTSB declared that Boeing would no longer receive information generated during the investigation and, unlike other parties, would not be allowed to pose questions to other participants during the hearing. Last month, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal conspiracy charge and pay a fine of at least $243.6 million to settle a Justice Department investigation into two fatal 737 MAX crashes.