FAA Proposes $5.4 Million Penalty Against the Boeing Co.
February 21, 2020
On January 10, 2020, the FAA proposed a $5.4 million civil penalty against The Boeing Co.—in addition to a previously proposed civil penalty of more than $3.9 million—for installing nonconforming slat tracks on approximately 178 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which Boeing ultimately presented as ready for airworthiness certification. Boeing had already been under scrutiny for installing the same nonconforming slat tracks on approximately 133 Boeing 737 NG aircraft. The FAA alleged that Boeing not only failed to adequately oversee its suppliers to ensure they complied with the company’s quality assurance system, but that it knowingly submitted aircraft for final FAA airworthiness certification after being informed that the slat tracks could not be used due to a failed strength test. The FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) on Aug. 15, 2019, mandating inspections of the affected aircraft.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665).
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