The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated an investigation into Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner after the company admitted to potential misconduct involving incomplete testing documentation.
The focus of the inquiry is to determine if Boeing conducted the necessary inspections to ensure proper bonding and grounding in specific areas where the wings attach to the fuselage. The FAA also examines allegations of falsified aircraft records by company employees.
Boeing responded to inquiries by acknowledging an irregularity observed during a required 787 conformance test.
The company discovered that several individuals failed to perform mandatory tests but falsely documented completion.
Boeing promptly reported the issue to the FAA and is taking corrective action against multiple employees involved in the misconduct.
Despite the revelation, Boeing assured that the integrity lapse did not pose an immediate safety risk to flight operations.
Amidst these developments, Boeing’s shares experienced a 1.5% decline, settling at $177.03. The company’s production and delivery projections for the 787 Dreamliner are also under review due to supplier shortages affecting critical components.
A Boeing quality engineer previously criticized manufacturing practices on the 787 and 777 widebody programs, highlighting broader concerns about production standards.
This investigation adds to Boeing’s ongoing challenges, including a criminal inquiry by the Justice Department following a mid-air emergency involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
In that incident, the National Transportation Safety Board discovered missing bolts on the plane, suggesting potential lapses in documentation.
Boeing stated that required records detailing the bolt removal process were never generated, raising further questions about compliance and oversight within the company.
