Portland, Oregon – The manufacturer of the door plug that detached midair during an Alaska Airlines flight last week was previously targeted in a class action lawsuit alleging “widespread quality failures.” The incident has brought scrutiny to Boeing, as a panel of the plane broke off just minutes after takeoff, terrifying passengers and forcing the plane to return to its origin in Portland. Spirit AeroSystems, the manufacturer of the door plug, has announced its support for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the flight.
According to court documents, Spirit AeroSystems has faced longstanding concerns about the quality of its products. Investors expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s products, especially following the two Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 that claimed the lives of everyone on board. In May, investors filed a federal class action lawsuit in New York, accusing Spirit AeroSystems of a history of constant quality failures.
As the main supplier of parts to Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems plays a vital role in the production of Boeing 737 aircraft. The lawsuit claimed that the company concealed widespread and sustained quality failures, including the routine presence of foreign object debris, missing fasteners, and peeling paint. The suit also alleged that these failures were the result of a company culture that prioritized production numbers and short-term financial outcomes over quality.
In response to the lawsuit, Spirit AeroSystems stated that it strongly disagrees with the allegations and will vigorously defend against them. Boeing declined to comment on the matter.
The door plug incident on the Alaska Airlines flight has raised questions about the manufacturing process of Spirit AeroSystems and the Boeing assembly line. Investigators will examine whether the blown-out door plug was a result of faulty manufacturing or assembly.
The incident further highlights the need for thorough investigations and quality control in the aerospace industry. Passengers’ safety should always be prioritized, and any potential flaws or failures in production must be addressed promptly and effectively. The NTSB investigation will provide crucial insights into the causes of the incident and determine the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the relationship between Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, as well as the reputation and trust in their products. The aerospace industry must continue to strive for rigorous quality standards to ensure the safety and security of air travel.