More Boeing Trouble, New Defect on 787 Dreamliner
Boeing is dealing with a new defect on its 787 Dreamliner. This is just the latest issue in a series of production problems that have delayed aircraft deliveries and have brought on increased scrutiny from the U.S. government.
Boeing said Thursday that some titanium 787 Dreamliner parts were improperly manufactured over the past three years. The quality issue does not affect the immediate safety of flights. However, the company has informed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the issue and is working to determine how many planes contain the defective part, Reuters reports.
The parts in question were manufactured by Italian based company Leonardo SpA, which bought them from Manufacturing Processes Specification (MPS). MPS is no longer a supplier to Leonardo, but the damage is done.
The defective titanium parts include fittings that help secure the floor beam in one fuselage section, as well as other fittings, spacers, brackets, and clips within other assemblies. They are weaker than they should be. These parts will be replaced on undelivered planes.
Planes that have already bee delivered and are carrying passengers will go through a review process with Boeing and the FAA.
Problems with 787s started in September 2020 when the FAA was investigating manufacturing flaws. Boeing then resumed deliveries in March, just to halt them again in May.
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@2808 Heavy – If I read this post correctly, it isn’t a design issue, but rather an improper build by a former supplier. Still a Boeing issue to resolve, but…
It’s one thing after another with Boeing these days. . I truly hope they can turn it around and get back to designing safe and reliable aircrafts.