- According to the New York Times, mechanics at Boeing's supplier used liquid soap as a lubricant to install door seals on the 737 Max.
- According to the NYT, this case was mentioned in a document discussing an FAA audit of Boeing and its suppliers.
- This particular supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, is responsible for manufacturing the 737 Max's fuselage.
The New York Times reported that Federal Aviation Administration auditors observed mechanics at a Boeing supplier using Dawn liquid soap as a lubricant when installing door seals.
Regulators later observed mechanics at Spirit AeroSystems, which makes the fuselages of Boeing Co.'s 737 Max, using wet cheesecloth to clean them, according to the paper's Mark Walker.
These findings were part of a six-week audit documented in a set of FAA presentation slides on which the Times based its report.
According to the Times, the slides show that Boeing failed 33 of 89 product audits related to 737 Max production, while Spirit failed 7 of 13 audits. It is stated that it was passed.
Global scrutiny of the quality of the 737 Max's airframe has increased after a door plug exploded on an Alaska Airlines jet while it was still airborne in January.
The incident prompted an investigation into Boeing's safety standards, which had been accused of failing to ensure quality for years.
The Times reported that most of the problems cited by the FAA involved manufacturing staff not following approved procedures, and some had problems with quality control documentation.
The memo in the liquid soap case said the instructions for installing the door seal were “vague and unclear about what specifications and actions the mechanic should follow and record,” according to the Times.
In response to the Times report, Boeing told Business Insider in a statement that it “continues to make immediate changes and develops a comprehensive plan of action to enhance safety and quality.”
“We are committed to taking significant and proven action with transparency at every step,” the statement said.
Spirit did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment sent outside normal business hours.
A Spirit spokesperson told the Times that the company is “reviewing all identified nonconformities for corrective action.”
This report was released after the F.A.A. Said in late February The airline said it had discovered Boeing's quality control problems and gave airlines 90 days to submit plans to fix the problems.
In response, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said the company intends to comply with the FAA's requirements. “We have a clear picture of what needs to be done,” he said.
