Boeing’s troubles deepened this week with the emergence of three new issues
Boeing is currently grappling with three new challenges, adding to its ongoing troubles. The issues include complications with the 787 Dreamliner, use of counterfeit materials in aircraft construction, and safety concerns on a Southwest Airlines flight. The 787 Dreamliner issue pertains to improperly installed fasteners on the fuselage, necessitated additional inspections. These problems contribute to a turbulent period for Boeing, which began with a door plug incident on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year. Concerns over Boeing’s quality control and oversight continue to escalate.
Boeing is facing three new problems this week in the latest string of troubles that have plagued the company in recent months.
This week, Boeing has announced trouble with its 787 Dreamliner, reports of counterfeit materials being used on planes, and unusual, unsafe issues on a Southwest Airlines flight. Boeing’s troubles began earlier this year when door plugs blew out of an Alaska Airlines flight mid-air.
As of Friday, the company is facing three additional problems.
Fasteners not properly installed in 787 Dreamliners
Boeing announced Thursday that additional inspections will take place on some of the 787 wide-body jets after the company disclosed some of the fasteners on the fuselages of the planes may have been improperly installed.
The disclosure from Boeing comes as Michael Whitaker, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, was set to visit the company’s South Carolina manufacturing facility where 787s are built.
Whitaker said the panel that blew off an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year showed him that Boeing had been “too hands-off” and that a more aggressive oversight approach was needed.
The company said the issue affects only jets that have not yet been put in service and that those already in use are not affected by the issue.
Counterfeit titanium potentially found in Airbus, Boeing
The Federal Aviation Administration is launching an investigation into reports that both Boeing and Airbus may have used titanium sold using fake documents.
“Boeing reported a voluntary disclosure to the FAA regarding procurement of material through a distributor who may have falsified or provided incorrect records,” the FAA said in a statement.
In a statement to NBC News, Boeing said, “This industry-wide issue affects some shipments of titanium received by a limited set of suppliers, and tests performed to date have indicated that the correct titanium alloy was used,” adding that the company was “removing any affected parts on airplanes prior to delivery. Our analysis shows the in-service fleet can continue to fly safely.”
Unsafe back-and-forth roll mid-flight
Federal authorities and Boeing are trying to get to the bottom of what caused an unsafe Dutch roll on a Southwest Airlines flight. A back and forth Dutch roll is when the nose of the aircraft makes a figure-eight motion while in the air.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The aircraft sustained “substantial” damage following the incident, which the FAA classified as an accident.
There were no injuries on the flight, and the crew safely landed the plane.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
