"NTSB Chief Criticizes Boeing for Withholding Vital Information in MAX Jet Investigation"

The chief of the federal inquiry into a problematic January flight on a Boeing 737 MAX jet expressed strong disapproval towards the aviation giant on Wednesday for not promptly providing crucial information.

Despite two months having passed since the investigation of the January 5 Alaska Airlines flight began, the National Transportation Safety Board has yet to receive vital documents related to the case or the identities of approximately 25 Boeing employees involved, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy revealed to the Senate Commerce Committee.

These statements provoked severe censure from lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who condemned Boeing's actions as "completely unacceptable."

Fortunately, there were no major injuries during the January 5 incident, in which the Alaska Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing due to a blowout on a panel of the jet's fuselage.

  1. While the fuselage was manufactured by Boeing contractor Spirit AeroSystems, the underlying issue is believed to have stemmed from maintenance on the part carried out at Boeing's Renton, Washington factory, during which the door plug may have been removed and reinstalled.

  • The NTSB has previously stated that four bolts securing the panel were found to be missing.
  • Homendy added that the head of the Boeing team responsible for the door plug has been on sick leave. Despite multiple requests, the agency has not received any cooperation from Boeing in identifying the additional 25 employees on the team, she added.

Boeing, which has consistently promised to be transparent in response to the January 5 incident, asserted its "deep respect" for the NTSB while defending its own responsiveness.

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