NTSB Investigates FAA Oversight of Boeing After 737 MAX 9 Emergency

The National Transportation Safety Board has opened a hearing to review the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight of Boeing following a 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency. The board is scrutinizing defects, incorrect documents, and FAA's audit procedures. Following the incident, the FAA limited Boeing’s production and initiated significant quality improvements.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Wednesday commenced a hearing to assess the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of Boeing, prompted by a 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency in January that raised significant safety concerns.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated, "We have a lot of questions -- there was information known," referring to long-standing defects and policy issues. The hearing's second day focused on the recent Alaska Airlines jet door panel blowout, questioning FAA's audit procedures and whether Boeing received advance notices of reviews.

The FAA has since imposed production limits on Boeing and mandated a comprehensive 90-day review. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker acknowledged that the former oversight was too reliant on paperwork audits instead of inspections. The agency has also increased the number of inspectors at Boeing facilities. Legislative actions are being taken by senators urging for strengthened safety management systems within the FAA.

(With inputs from agencies.)