Boeing is facing a new probe by FAA after employee ‘misconduct’ linked to 787 inspections

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Monday that it has initiated an investigation into Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner. This action follows the company’s disclosure of “improper conduct” by some employees who falsely claimed completion of specific tests.

The FAA’s inquiry aims to determine whether Boeing conducted the necessary inspections on certain Dreamliners to ensure proper bonding and grounding where the wings meet the fuselage. Additionally, they will investigate the possibility of falsified aircraft records by Boeing personnel.

While the investigation unfolds, Boeing is currently re-inspecting all Dreamliners still in production. The company must also develop a plan to address these concerns for the Dreamliners already in operation.

Boeing’s stock price dipped slightly on Monday, closing at $178.35.

There;s an internal Boeing email sent on April 29th by Scott Stocker, who heads the 787 program, to employees at the South Carolina facility where the Dreamliner is assembled.

Stocker’s email explained that an employee identified a potential discrepancy during a mandatory Dreamliner conformity test. He elaborated that upon investigation, “we quickly reviewed the matter and learned that several people had been violating Company policies by not performing a required test, but recording the work as having been completed.”

Stocker emphasized that Boeing promptly notified the FAA of their findings and is taking decisive corrective actions against “multiple” employees. He further stated that Boeing’s engineering team has determined this incident does not pose an immediate safety risk for flights.

Boeing previously announced in April that they anticipate a slower ramp-up in production and delivery of their 787 Dreamliner jets due to “supplier constraints” on a few critical components.

These recent developments come on the heels of criticism from a Boeing quality engineer regarding manufacturing practices on the 787 and 777 programs. The engineer testified before Congress last month.

Furthermore, the Department of Justice is conducting a separate criminal investigation into a mid-air incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9 that occurred on January 5th. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that four crucial bolts appeared to be missing from the aircraft, which had been delivered by Boeing months prior. While Boeing acknowledges the missing bolts, they claim no documentation was ever created detailing their removal.