FAA widens Boeing probe and eyes subcontractor used by the aerospace giant

The Federal Aviation Administration widened its probe into Boeing and will pay special attention to the work of a subcontractor used by the aerospace giant, officials said Wednesday.

Federal investigators want to know more about Spirit AeroSystems, a Wichita, Kansas, aerospace company that makes and installs plug doors for Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes.

An Alaska Airlines flight on Jan. 5 was forced to make an emergency landing when a door plug fell off the fuselage midair after it had left Portland, Oregon.

That incident led to the FAA grounding all 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes from operating in the United States during this probe.

“After taking decisive action to ground 171 Boeing 737-9 MAX airplanes, the FAA is now investigating Boeing’s manufacturing practices and production lines, including those involving subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems, bolstering its oversight of Boeing, and examining potential system change,” according to an FAA statement Wednesday.

Spirit AeroSystems said it’s cooperating with investigators.

“Spirit is supporting Boeing’s efforts with the FAA, and the affected airlines, as they inspect the 737-9 fleet and work to safely return those airplanes to service,” company spokesperson Joe Buccino said in a statement.

The FAA’s expanded probe comes just days after the agency said it would increase oversight of Boeing production and manufacturing.

The FAA said Friday that it would audit Boeing’s 737 Max 9 production line and its suppliers “to evaluate Boeing’s compliance with its approved quality procedures.”

The results of the initial audit will determine whether additional audits are needed, the agency said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.