Boeing faced criticism from a federal regulator regarding disclosures about an ongoing investigation into a January flight where a 737 Max plane lost a panel, endangering passengers at 16,000 feet. Elizabeth Lund, a Boeing executive, shared new details about the incident at a press briefing, leading to a rebuke from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The NTSB accused Boeing of improperly sharing investigative information and speculated on the cause of the incident, violating rules surrounding active investigations. Boeing later apologized for their missteps and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The incident raised concerns about Boeing’s quality control, following earlier issues with the Max series. Boeing announced changes to improve safety and quality, including enhanced training, simplified procedures, and stricter supplier oversight.
Boeing’s efforts to rectify the incident include strengthened supplier inspections, improved production processes, and increased training for employees. These changes have led to a reduction in major defects and streamlined production at Boeing’s factory.
The company continues to work with regulators and implement reforms to ensure the safety and quality of its aircraft, acknowledging the need for ongoing improvements in engineering and production practices.
