The fresh aviation scrutiny was on Boeing after the NTSB cited bad training, supervision and safety bolt omissions as a link to the door blowout during a 737 Max flight.

Noting that the failure to conduct training and supervision contributed to a door plug blowout in one of Boeing 737 Max aircraft in January 2024, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has decided. The aviation incident that involved an Alaska Airlines jet revealed a significant lapse in safety measures when the panel-sized door left its place in the air because of the missing bolts.

The NTSB described how Boeing had not captured and replaced key components in the process of manufacturing. It also accused the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the ineffectiveness of its oversight pointing to the poor warning indications in the reports of audits and the employees.

The watchdog has revved up its inspection more with an added inspectorial workforce of 34 to 55 and limiting 737 Max productions to 38 planes a month. Boeing is in the middle of a redesigned door plug to have full certification by 2026.

Another fatal crash involving the 787 Dreamliner this month in India has once again put Boeing quality controls under the spotlight and raised suspicion with regard to systemic problems in aviation safety. Both Boeing and the FAA have announced that they will be more vigilant in the future.