Dave Calhoun, Boeing’s Chief Executive, admitted on Tuesday the company‘s role in a recent dangerous incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight.
Calhoun pledged full openness during a safety meeting held after the plane’s emergency landing last Friday, caused by the detachment of a panel mid-flight.
Since taking over Boeing’s leadership in January 2020 amidst two deadly 737 Max crashes, Calhoun has committed to collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in investigating this incident. He expressed complete confidence in the NTSB’s capabilities.
The NTSB’s preliminary findings indicate that a door plug, a panel used to replace an unnecessary emergency exit, might not have been properly secured. Following this, the US has grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft, identical to the Alaska Airlines jet in configuration.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently coordinating with Boeing to establish detailed inspection guidelines for these grounded aircraft.
“Boeing offered an initial version of instructions yesterday which they are now revising because of feedback received in response,” the FAA said Tuesday.
“Upon receiving the revised version of instructions from Boeing the FAA will conduct a thorough review.”
A spokesman highlighted: “As part of the process, we are making updates based on their feedback and requirements.”
