US regulators are investigating two separate issues involving Boeing planes, intensifying scrutiny on the manufacturer’s safety record.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking into a potentially dangerous Dutch roll movement experienced by a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 on a flight from Phoenix to Oakland on May 25, which resulted in significant damage to the aircraft but no injuries.
Additionally, the FAA is probing falsified documents used to certify titanium in Boeing’s planes, an issue initially flagged by a supplier after noticing corrosion.
Boeing, which reported the falsification, assured that the affected parts are being removed before delivery and that the in-service fleet remains safe.
The investigation into the Dutch roll, a side-to-side rocking motion, revealed substantial damage to a backup power unit for the rudder of the two-year-old plane.
Boeing and Southwest Airlines are cooperating with the investigation, with the latter referring inquiries back to Boeing. Meanwhile, the titanium issue, described by Boeing as “industry-wide,” involves a small number of parts sourced from specific suppliers.
Boeing has alerted its suppliers to watch for counterfeit records, and Canadian transportation safety officials are working with international regulators to address the problem.
Boeing has slowed production and presented the FAA with an action plan to resolve these issues, as safety campaigners continue to voice concerns over the quality of recent planes.
