FAA Investigates Boeing’s Claims of Falsified 787 Inspection Records by South Carolina Workers

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into Boeing after the company revealed that workers at a South Carolina plant falsified inspection records on certain 787 planes. Boeing stated that the misconduct did not pose an immediate safety risk, but the FAA is looking into whether required inspections were completed and if aircraft records were falsified.

The issue came to light when a worker at the South Carolina plant reported an “irregularity” in a required test of the wing-to-body join. It was discovered that several employees had been violating company policies by not performing the necessary test but recording it as completed. Boeing has taken swift action to address the situation, notifying the FAA and implementing corrective measures with multiple team members.

While no planes have been grounded, the need to perform tests out of order will slow down the delivery of jets currently in production at the North Charleston assembly plant. Additionally, Boeing must develop a plan to address planes that are already in service.

The 787 Dreamliner, a popular two-aisle plane used for long international flights, has faced scrutiny in recent years following the grounding of the 737 Max after two fatal crashes. The families of the victims of those crashes have urged the Justice Department to investigate Boeing for potential criminal fraud.

In a statement, the FAA emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry. Boeing has been under pressure to address manufacturing issues and ensure the safety of its aircraft, with the company recently facing allegations of taking shortcuts to speed up production. Despite the challenges, Boeing’s leadership has commended the worker who reported the irregularity, emphasizing the importance of speaking up when safety concerns arise.