NTSB Warns Boeing Over Investigation Breach, Threatens to Revoke

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published a warning to Boeing, threatening to revoke its status as a party to the investigation into a 737 MAX mid-air blowout.

This action follows Boeing’s violation of NTSB rules by disclosing non-public information and speculating about possible causes to the media.

Unauthorized Disclosure and Speculation:

In a letter addressed to Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, Timothy LeBaron, Director of the NTSB Office of Aviation Safety, criticized an executive for sharing non-public investigative details and making unsubstantiated speculations about the January 5 door plug blowout incident during a factory tour attended by journalists.

LeBaron emphasized that this breach of federal regulations and NTSB rules is unacceptable and warned that further infractions could result in Boeing losing its party status in the investigation.

Consequences and Sanctions:

As a result of the violation, the NTSB has barred Boeing from accessing information produced during the investigation and from questioning other participants at the upcoming hearing on August 6-7.

The NTSB has also decided to subpoena Boeing witnesses, including Elizabeth Lund, Boeing’s senior vice president of quality, who made the remarks deemed inaccurate or unknown to the NTSB.

Previous Warnings and DOJ Referral:

The NTSB had previously warned Boeing on March 13 about similar infractions. Boeing’s recent conduct has prompted the NTSB to refer the matter to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In May, the DOJ found that Boeing violated a 2021 settlement related to interactions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which resulted in 346 fatalities.

Additional Prohibited Comments:

In a separate incident, Boeing Chief Engineer Howard McKenzie made prohibited comments during a U.S. Senate hearing about a Southwest Airlines “Dutch roll” incident.

McKenzie’s assertion that the incident “has nothing to do with design or manufacturing” contradicted the NTSB, which has not yet ruled out design or manufacturing issues.

The NTSB is investigating the May 25 incident, where a Southwest 737 MAX experienced lateral asymmetric movements, posing serious safety risks.

Boeing’s Response:

Boeing has declined to comment directly on the NTSB’s letter, instead referring to an earlier apology issued after the NTSB announced sanctions over the media remarks. Southwest Airlines also refused to comment on the ongoing investigation.