NTSB says Boeing failed in training, oversight in last year’s 737 MAX mid-air panel blowout

Boeing (NYSE:BA) failed to provide adequate training, guidance and oversight to prevent the midair cabin panel blowout in a new 737 MAX 9 flight in January 2024, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday, according to Reuters.

The NTSB criticized Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) safety culture and its failure to install four key bolts in the Alaska Airlines MAX 9 during production, as well as ineffective oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the incident was avoidable because Boeing (BA) should have addressed unauthorized production that was identified in numerous internal audits, reports and other forums for at least 10 years.

“The safety deficiencies that led to this accident should have been evident to Boeing and to the FAA,” Homendy said. “It’s nothing short of a miracle that no one died or sustained serious physical injuries.”

Boeing’s (BA) on-the-job training was inadequate, the NTSB said, adding the company is working on a design enhancement that will ensure the door plug cannot be closed until it is firmly secured.