In a shocking revelation, a senior manager at the Boeing 737 factory has disclosed that he had raised concerns about problems on the 737 MAX production line prior to the fatal crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. These crashes tragically claimed the lives of 346 people. Testifying before Congress in 2019, the manager shared his story and expressed grave disappointment at the lack of action taken on the assurances provided by the company and the industry.
The manager stated that he and others had been expecting worse issues to arise, given the numerous production quality defects that had been reported. Astonishingly, since the rollout and return of the 737 MAX to service, over 20 serious production quality defects had been documented. Loose bolts, employee fatigue, lack of quality control, improper electrical bonding and grounding, and issues with gaps and shimming were among the concerns raised.
Boeing, in response to these revelations, assured that they were in close contact with operators conducting the required inspections. They emphasized their commitment to meeting design specifications and the highest safety and quality standards. However, the manager expressed skepticism, citing recent incidents such as an engine failure on a plane just 40 hours old and an electrical power loss on a plane delivered the night before. He highlighted the removal of quality control inspections and the company's requests for exemptions from flight-related safety systems.
These disclosures come as a distressing pattern emerges at Boeing. With the loss of $20 billion and facing allegations of criminal conduct, the company's leadership is now under intense scrutiny. The manager's lack of confidence in Boeing's leadership is compounded by their plea for special treatment to comply with legally required engineering design standards.
This revelation raises concerns about Boeing's commitment to safety and quality control. As investigators work to gather all necessary information and take appropriate action, it remains to be seen if the company will address the root causes of these issues effectively.
The manager's brave testimony before Congress serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions. The tragic loss of lives and the significant financial impact should serve as a wake-up call to the industry and regulators to prioritize safety above all else.
