The aircraft manufacturer is under scrutiny by Congress following a recent mid-air emergency.
Boeing is accused of withholding crucial information from investigators regarding a door plug incident on one of its 737 Max 9 jets during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Former Boeing manager Ed Pierson labeled the situation as a “criminal cover-up” during a Senate committee hearing on April 17.
Despite Boeing’s claim that documents related to the faulty door plug were missing, Pierson, now the executive director of the Foundation for Aviation Safety, insisted that the documents do exist and that he has personally passed them to the FBI.
This is not the first time Pierson has raised concerns about Boeing. In December 2019, he testified before Congress about the company’s rushed production operations following two fatal 737 Max crashes. He criticized the lack of accountability and urged for action to ensure the safety of passengers boarding Boeing aircraft.
Another whistleblower, current Boeing quality engineer Sam Salehpour, echoed Pierson’s concerns about defective airplanes and shortcuts in production. Salehpour highlighted gaps in the fuselage of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner that often went unaddressed, raising further safety issues.
Despite Boeing’s assurance to address safety concerns, Pierson stressed the need for continued investigation of the company. He also called for scrutiny of federal agencies for their oversight responsibilities.
The Senate committee, led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, plans to hold additional hearings on Boeing, with expectations for the company’s CEO to testify. While Boeing is cooperating with the inquiry, no company representatives attended the recent hearing.
The Senate’s focus on Boeing’s safety culture has revealed bipartisan concerns about aviation safety and the need for accountability. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring passenger safety and holding Boeing responsible for its practices.
The panel’s findings indicating a disconnect between Boeing’s safety claims and actual practices have further fueled calls for improved aviation safety measures. The committee aims to explore targeted and effective ways to enhance safety standards without rushing into legislation. Could you please rewrite this sentence?
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