Boeing Faces FAA Investigation Over Falsified Inspection Records on 787 Planes
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into Boeing after the company revealed that workers at its South Carolina plant falsified inspection records on certain 787 Dreamliner planes. While Boeing engineers claim the misconduct doesn't pose an immediate safety risk, the FAA is taking the matter seriously.
The issue came to light when a worker observed an irregularity in a required test of the wing-to-body join and reported it to their manager. Subsequent investigation revealed that several individuals had violated company policies by not performing the test but recording it as completed.
Boeing has notified the FAA and is taking corrective action against the involved employees. However, the incident will likely slow down the delivery of 787 jets being built in South Carolina. The FAA is also requiring Boeing to develop a plan to address planes that are already in service.
This latest incident adds to Boeing's ongoing struggles. The company has faced intense scrutiny since a door plug blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during a flight in January, and the subsequent grounding of the entire 737 Max fleet following two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019.
The families of the victims of those crashes are now pushing the Justice Department to revive a criminal fraud charge against Boeing, arguing that the company's continued lapses violate the terms of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement.
In addition, a Boeing whistleblower testified in April that the company had taken manufacturing shortcuts to speed up production of 787s. While Boeing has denied these claims, the ongoing investigations and scrutiny are casting a shadow over the company's reputation and future.