A subcontractor of Boeing has been accused of intentionally concealing what one employee called “excessive amounts of defects” in the Boeing 747 Max 9 jet. These documents accuse the subcontractor of telling employees to falsify safety reports to hide these defects, allowing them to go into production and use despite the potential risk. It is believed that these defects may have been responsible for a door plug blowing out of an Alaska Airlines flight on January 5.

Who is This Subcontractor?

The subcontractor in question is Spirit AeroSystems, a subcontractor that primarily manufactures parts for Boeing jets, as well as other airplane manufacturers. Among other things, it is responsible for creating what it calls “first-tier” aerostructure parts, including the plane’s fuselage and wing assemblies. It is heavily involved in the construction of the Boeing 747 Max 9 Jet, and thus has been implicated in the Alaska Airlines incident.

What Are They Accused of Doing?

According to documents filed in federal court, Spirit is accused of intentionally ignoring “excessive amounts of defects” in the construction of the Max 9 jet. When employees attempted to point out these defects to executives, they were not told to fix the problems, but instead to falsify records to hide the issues. Internal company records show that one employee commented “it was just a matter of time until a major defect escaped to a customer.”

What Were the Consequences of These Defects?

As a potential result of these defects, a Boeing 747 Max 9 jet owned by Alaska Airlines suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport on January 5. The door plug on one of the doors leading off the side of the plane – which are meant to be sealed throughout the flight and only open in the event of an emergency- apparently had loose bolts. As a result, the door plug blew out of the plane at around 16,000 ft, forcing an emergency landing. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, but 150 Boeing planes were subsequently grounded.

Why Does This Matter?

This incident showcases just why it is important to deal with defects at the design and manufacturing stage, and why they should never be ignored. It is entirely possible that this incident could have resulted in tragedy, if not for the training and discipline of its flight crew. When airplane designers and manufacturers like Boeing and Spirit fail to address defects, it is all too often the pilots and passengers who pay the price.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.