Boeing knew of problems with wing parts, but told FAA planes were safe, agency alleges

I know from long observation that this will not keep some people from saying we should do away with government regulations, and that businesses would not do something like this because they would be afraid of losing business.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/boeing-knew-of-problems-with-wing-parts-but-told-faa-planes-were-safe-agency-says/2019/12/06/fc8190f0-1874-11ea-9110-3b34ce1d92b1_story.html

By Michael Laris and Ian Duncan
Dec. 6, 2019 at 9:37 p.m. EST

The Federal Aviation Administration proposed a rare $3.9 million civil penalty against Boeing on Friday, alleging the company “knowingly submitted aircraft” to the agency for safety certification even after learning that crucial wing components “could not be used due to a failed strength test.”

The FAA alleged in a statement and enforcement letter to Boeing on Friday that the company installed parts on some of its 737s that were “weakened” and “more prone to fatigue and failure.” The so-called “slat tracks” are critical, serving to guide the slats that slide out from the front of wings and add stability and lift during takeoff and landing.

The agency said the weakened components could allow the slats “to depart and potentially strike the aircraft, resulting in injury to aircraft occupants and/or preventing continued safe flight and landing.”

•••••

Boeing “failed to adequately oversee its suppliers,” then presented the resulting planes to the FAA as safe despite those known problems, according to the allegations. Boeing gave those safety assurances on paperwork required for planes to fly in the United States, on export certificates, and in one case a statement that the planes conformed with military requirements, the FAA alleges.

•••••