Boeing failed 33 of 89 quality inspections conducted by the US Federal Aviation Administration after the incident with the Boeing 737 MAX 9, which had a door blown off during takeoff.
Many of the problems identified by auditors fall into the category of non-compliance with an “approved manufacturing process, procedure or instruction.”
For example, during an audit of Spirit AeroSystems (which assembles fuselages for the Boeing 737), it was found that assemblers apply liquid soap to the door seal “as a lubricant.” Spirit AeroSystems also failed the cargo door inspection and the cabin window installation inspection.
In addition, FAA auditors tested how well Boeing employees understood quality control processes. The survey yielded only 58 percent positive responses.
Earlier in the United States, former Boeing quality control engineer John Barnett was found dead after reporting problems with aircraft assembly as part of a lawsuit against the company.
Let us recall that at the end of January, the FAA announced that it would not give Boeing consent to expand production of MAX series aircraft, including the 737-9 MAX, and ordered a thorough inspection of all aircraft of this type. The operation of these aircraft was suspended in the United States after an emergency with an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9, which made an emergency landing after a fuselage section fell out in the air and the passenger compartment depressurized.