Boeing’s Quality Control Process and Company Culture Under Scrutiny After 737 Max Flight 1282 Blowout

Introduction

Recent incidents involving Boeing's 737 Max aircraft have raised concerns about the company's quality control process and company culture. United and Alaska airlines discovered loose bolts on Boeing 737 Max 9 jets after they were grounded, indicating potential flaws in quality control. This article explores the shift in Boeing's culture towards prioritizing finances over engineering, as well as the implications of these incidents on the company's reputation and the aviation industry as a whole.

The Alaska Airlines Blowout

In a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, part of the fuselage was blown off mid-flight, resulting in the deployment of oxygen masks and the loss of personal belongings for passengers. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported as the plane safely returned to the airport. However, this incident highlights the potential dangers associated with quality control issues in aircraft manufacturing. Had the incident occurred at a higher altitude or farther away from an airport, the consequences could have been catastrophic.

Grounding of 737 Max 9 Planes

Following the Alaska Airlines blowout, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded all 737 Max 9 planes with a door plug. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines subsequently discovered loose hardware on several planes. As a result, the FAA extended the grounding of 737 Max 9 planes with door plugs until all were inspected. Boeing revised its inspection instructions to airlines, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the safety of the flying public over speed.

Investigations and Increased Oversight

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that four bolts holding the door plug in place were unaccounted for, raising questions about whether they were lost or never installed. In response, the FAA announced significant actions to increase its oversight of Boeing, including an audit of the 737 Max 9 production line and the exploration of using an independent third party to oversee inspections. Additionally, the FAA initiated a formal investigation to determine whether Boeing failed to ensure the safety and compliance of the Max 9 planes.

Boeing's History of Quality Control Issues

Industry experts and airline executives have expressed concerns about Boeing's quality control problems over the years. Michael O'Leary, the CEO of Ryanair, stated that both Airbus and Boeing, particularly Boeing, need to significantly improve their quality control measures. Tim Clark, the president of Emirates, also criticized Boeing for its ongoing quality control issues. While acknowledging the duopoly between Airbus and Boeing, Clark emphasized the need for Boeing to prioritize safety and engineering excellence.

The Grounding of the 737 Max in 2019

The grounding of the 737 Max in 2019 was a result of competition between Airbus and Boeing. Boeing was eager to catch up with Airbus' A320neo and faced intense pressure to get the latest version of the 737 in the air quickly. This led to an extremely compressed timeline, with new, more fuel-efficient engines being added to the 737. However, these engines changed the aerodynamics of the aircraft, making it more susceptible to pitching upward in certain scenarios. To address this issue, Boeing introduced the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), which automatically pushed the nose down if the angle of attack was too steep. Unfortunately, the reliance on a single sensor and inadequate training for pilots about the MCAS system contributed to the tragic crashes of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines planes.

Boeing's Culture Shift

Many attribute Boeing's quality control problems to a culture shift that occurred after its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. The merger brought about a change in leadership and a shift in focus from engineering to financial considerations. This change was exemplified by decisions such as outsourcing the design of the 787 Dreamliner, which encountered production delays due to quality control issues. Critics argue that Boeing's emphasis on financial performance and stock profitability may have compromised its commitment to safety and engineering excellence.

Moving Forward

Boeing's recent incidents and ongoing quality control issues raise important questions about the company's commitment to safety and the need for significant improvements in its quality control processes. The scrutiny from regulators and the public, as well as the demands for increased oversight, highlight the importance of prioritizing safety in the aviation industry. Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, acknowledged the mistakes made and emphasized the need for engineering solutions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. It remains to be seen how Boeing will address these challenges and regain the trust of the aviation community and the general public.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and does not constitute professional advice. The author does not have any affiliation with Boeing or any other related companies mentioned in the article.

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By: psyme@insider.com (Pete Syme)
Title: Boeing’s Quality Control Process and Company Culture Under Scrutiny After 737 Max Flight 1282 Blowout
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/boeing-737-max-quality-control-company-culture-merger-finances-2024-1
Published Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 10:33:01 +0000