June 27th, 2024

US sanctions Boeing for sharing information about 737 MAX 9 investigation

Boeing faces U.S. sanctions for unauthorized disclosures on a Boeing 737 Max 9 incident. NTSB criticizes Boeing for speculating on causes, emphasizing determining the accident's cause. Despite scrutiny, Boeing retains party status.

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US sanctions Boeing for sharing information about 737 MAX 9 investigation

Boeing is facing sanctions from U.S. investigators for sharing unauthorized information about a federal investigation into a door plug blowout incident on a Boeing 737 Max 9. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accused Boeing of violating investigative regulations by providing non-public information to the media and speculating on potential causes of the incident. The NTSB clarified that the focus should be on determining the accident's probable cause, not assigning blame. Boeing expressed regret for overstepping the NTSB's role and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Despite the sanctions, Boeing will retain its party status in the investigation due to its expertise. The NTSB may subpoena relevant records and has informed the Department of Justice about Boeing's unauthorized disclosures. The Justice Department will decide on potential charges against Boeing by July 7. Boeing has been under increased scrutiny, with CEO David Calhoun defending the company's safety record amid accusations of prioritizing profits over safety. Calls for Calhoun's resignation have surfaced, but he plans to step down by the end of 2024.

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By @textlapse - 4 months
Probably a repost, but this excellent video talks about the problems with outsourcing everything (i.e. the L J Hart-Smith report) https://youtu.be/PQccNdwm8Tw?t=566 - the report itself is fairly accessible and an eye-opener on what happens when you outsource all of your core competency.

The only remaining thing is a weak 'systems integrator'. And the best part is the suppliers have more leverage and less compliance/liability than you do! Because nobody even knows their name.

By @Molitor5901 - 4 months
I don't understand the justification for this. I am familiar with the NTSB's practices (thanks in on small part to Admiral Cloudberg) but I do not see how Boeing put a foot wrong on this issue. Won't the NTSB report say what it will say regardless what Boeing says or does??
By @tracker1 - 4 months
I can't help but think of the old use of Saddam Hussein as a caricature in South Part when I keep seeing what Boeing is up to lately... I think we need more visibility with similar for Boeing executives.
By @ein0p - 4 months
What a fall from grace. An unstoppable company with a jaw dropping lineup of products, pride of the nation, destroyed by bean counters and MBAs within just 15 years or so. One would hope lessons would be learned, but one would then also be naive.
By @fileseeder - 4 months
@tracker1 I'm sure South Park is cooking something with boing haha