A part of the fuselage of an airplane with more than 170 people on board breaks off during the climb. No one is injured, but Boeing has been under increased pressure ever since.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun will soon have to face questions from US senators in the crisis at the aircraft manufacturer. The Subcommittee for Investigations has invited Calhoun to appear on June 18, announced Chairman Richard Blumenthal.
The Boeing boss can expect a harsh tone: Blumenthal said that the company had put profits before safety and share price before quality for years. Calhoun has already announced his retirement at the end of the year. A Boeing whistleblower recently testified in the subcommittee, accusing the company of errors in production. Boeing rejects his criticism.
Boeing is currently under increased pressure to improve quality assurance following a near-accident. At the beginning of January, part of the fuselage of a virtually new 737-9 Max aircraft with more than 170 people on board broke off during a climb shortly after takeoff.
By chance, the two seats directly next to the opening were empty – no one was injured. The accident investigation authority NTSB assumes that fastening bolts were missing from the broken-off part. There were also repeated problems with incorrectly drilled holes in the fuselage.
Source: Stern
