The NTSB has today confirmed via a letter that Boeing security footage from the 737 MAX production line had been overwritten.
Such news from the American planemaker to the investigators will come as yet another shock to the overall investigation.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Letter Containing The Details on the Boeing 737 MAX Investigation…
Jennifer Homendy, the Chair of the NTSB said the following in a letter to Senators Maria Cantwell & Ted Cruz:
“As you know, the Boeing 737-9 aircraft that flew as Alaska Airlines flight 1282
(registration N704AL) underwent rivet repairs at Boeing’s Renton, Washington, facility
in September 2023 prior to delivery to Alaska Airlines.”
“The door plug that failed during Alaska 1282’s incident flight was opened so that this rivet repair work could be performed.”
“To date, we still do not know who performed the work to open, reinstall, and close the door plug on the accident aircraft.”
“Boeing has informed us that they are unable to find the records documenting this work.”
“A verbal request was made by our investigators for security camera footage to help obtain this information”.
“However, they were informed the footage was overwritten.”
“The absence of those records will complicate the NTSB’s investigation moving forward.”
Continued Challenges: Not a Good Look?
For Boeing and the 737 MAX, this is not a good look, especially as the investigation continues to take place.
But to the overall point from today’s news, it is unclear how it will hamper the overall investigation as of yet.
However, this has also been limited, as mentioned in the letter:
“On February 2, 2024, Boeing gave NTSB names of individuals who may provide insight regarding the work performed to open, reinstall, and close the door plug in September 2023.”
“The team continued its investigative work.”
“NTSB investigators requested from Boeing the names of all employees who reported to the door crew manager in September 2023.”
“The intent of this request was to help inform our efforts to uncover who may have been involved with, and who may have information on, the opening, reinstallation, and closure of the door plug on the accident aircraft.”
“This request was made via email on March 2.”
“That list was provided to NTSB following the hearing on March 6 at 2:00 pm EST.”
“However, this list did not identify which personnel conducted the door plug work.”
“After NTSB received this list, I called Boeing Chief Executive Officer David Calhoun and asked for the names of the people who performed the work.”
“He stated he was unable to provide that information”.
“[He] maintained that Boeing has no records of the work being performed.”
Overall…
In conclusion, this is yet another harrowing development in the overall investigation involving Alaska Airlines flight AS1282.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see what the next steps will be by the NTSB.
For the 737 MAX program itself, this is yet another blow, but the BCA CEO Stan Deal has been setting out new practices in the aftermath.
But for now, let’s see what happens next in this investigatory process.
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