NTSB Investigates Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems in Alaska Airlines Incident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to hold a two-day hearing starting Tuesday to investigate the mid-air blowout of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door plug that occurred in January. Testifying at the hearing will be several executives from Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, including Boeing’s senior vice president for quality, Elizabeth Lund, and vice president of supplier quality, Doug Ackerman.

Spirit AeroSystems' senior vice president Terry George and senior director Scott Grabon are also scheduled to appear. The NTSB aims to review various issues, including the manufacturing and inspection protocols for the 737, safety management systems, and FAA oversight, especially concerning the door plug’s opening and closing mechanisms.

Earlier this month, Boeing agreed to buy back Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion, and also pleaded guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge, agreeing to pay $243.6 million. The FAA has previously restricted Boeing’s 737 production expansion due to oversight concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)