Boeing is in the headlines again, this time for violating the National Transport Safety Board's (NTSB) investigation guidelines. During a media briefing, a senior Boeing executive shared nonpublic information about the Alaska Airlines MAX 9 accident, prompting a sharp rebuke from the NTSB.
On June 27, 2024, the NTSB publicly criticized Boeing for releasing unauthorized information during the briefing two days earlier. This was a clear violation of an agreement prohibiting Boeing from disclosing details involved in ongoing investigations.
"Boeing offered opinions and analysis on factors it believed were relevant to the accident," the NTSB said in its official statement. As a result, the NTSB withdrew Boeing's access to further investigative information regarding the 737-9 accident.
Timothy LeBaron, director of the NTSB's Office of Aviation Safety, then sent a critical letter to Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun. LeBaron complained that the Boeing executive's statements during the briefing released unauthorized information and made unfounded speculations about the causes of the January 5, 2024, door stop incident. He emphasized that some of this information was inaccurate or unknown to the NTSB.
According to Reuters reports, the violation was committed by Elizabeth Lund, the senior vice president of quality at Boeing's Commercial Airplane Unit. Lund had told journalists that a lack of documentation resulted in key screws for the door stopper not being reinstalled during production of the 737-9. This ultimately led to the accident in which the door burst during flight.
Boeing later issued a public apology in which the company expressed regret that some comments during the briefing undermined the NTSB's authority as the primary source of investigative information. The company pledged its cooperation with the NTSB and its willingness to provide all requested information during the ongoing investigation.
The incident clearly demonstrates the sensitivity and strict rules that must be followed when investigating aviation accidents. The NTSB remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its investigations and ensuring that no premature or inaccurate information influences the investigation.
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