The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that Boeing’s video evidence of the personnel handling the 737 Max 9 door that detached from an Alaska Airlines plane has been deleted, raising suspicions of concealment.
According to NTSB chairwoman, Jennifer Homendy, in a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee, the NTSB remains uninformed about the details of the Boeing employees involved in the repair of the door following a mid-flight incident on January 5, where the door lacked bolts.
Homendy accused Boeing of impeding the investigation by failing to disclose the identities of individuals responsible for handling the door plug on the aircraft involved in the accident, citing a lack of documentation from Boeing.
Homendy clarified during her testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee that Boeing only provided a list of employees under the door crew manager but did not specify who handled the door plug in question.
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FAQs about Boeing Door Plug Removal Investigation
What is the NTSB’s concern regarding Boeing’s actions?
The NTSB is troubled by Boeing’s deletion of the video footage depicting the maintenance work on the Alaska Airlines door plug, suspecting an attempt to conceal crucial information from the investigation.
Why is Jennifer Homendy reaching out to Boeing’s CEO?
Jennifer Homendy contacted Boeing’s CEO to acquire the names of the employees involved in handling the door plug, a request that Boeing claims it cannot fulfill due to the absence of documented records.
Conclusion
Transparency and accountability are crucial in aviation safety investigations, and the recent developments regarding the Boeing door plug removal incident highlight the challenges in obtaining critical information for comprehensive assessments. The NTSB’s persistence in uncovering the truth underscores the importance of thorough scrutiny to uphold safety standards in the aviation industry.