Boeing has suspended structural testing of the 777X, after a door reportedly blew off the fuselage.
According to Charlie Harger from KOMO News, the aircraft was undergoing its final stages of structural testing when the malfunction occurred.
Sources told Harger that the door came flying off when Boeing was testing the maximum cabin pressure, whilst the aircraft was positioned in its test rig.
Attending the tests was the Federal Aviation Administration, ready to tick the aircraft off for structural testing, as well as engineers involved in the process.
Sources in contact with Harger state said that the audience immediately fell silent when the component failed.
Although the aircraft was pushed far above operating limits, failing to hold onto a door is not something to lightly just shrug off.
No announcement has been made as to what caused the door to blow off, however an investigation has been opened by Boeing to determine if this was a one off or if there is a design flaw.
Boeing contacted KOMO News stating that all protocols were followed during the testing process and no injuries occurred as a result of the incident.
This incident adds to the pressure surrounding Boeing as they battle to get the 737 MAX flying again, as well as the present 777X program delays due to General Electric GE9X engine issues.
First flight was scheduled to occur this year however, due to the resource shift and delays, this has been pushed to early next year.
Boeing is targeting an aggressive flight test schedule to ensure that the aircraft is certified and ready to be delivered by their goal of fourth quarter 2020.
Most airlines remain sceptical, with Lufthansa preparing for a delayed entry into service and Emirates expressing great concern over delivery times and engine issues.
At this time, Boeing’s priorities are getting the 737 MAX safely back into service and progressing with the 777X program at an acceptable rate.
Any additional setbacks would be seen as financially damaging for Boeing and the airlines involved.
cause of boeing’s downfall – most of the these boeing problems are (1) the bean counter culture brought in by mcdonnel douglas – engineers no longer run the company, (2) diversity hires – boeing has made an human resources lead jihad to hire people who know nothing about aerospace engineering but are ‘diverse’, (3) outsourcing engineering and software to tird world countries.
What is Muilenburg still doing at this company. Boeing in a stament is still playing by beoing book and acts as it is a routine issue, door exploding in pressurising test is a big concern. I think that United still flies Boeing’s test 777-200 aircraft to this very day, don’t think this test aircraft will ever fly. The “super” large windows for aluminium airframe is my next thought…
Boeing must let engineers run the company and make decisions, NOT the bean counters.
this is really embarrassing for Boeing. I used to have high regards for the company. That was then, maybe it’s time to change the company name to – BOING !
Boing have serious issues with the 737Max, 787 and now 777X.
Maybe there is something more to these significant issues with 3 different aircrafts.
I remember the time I would do almost anything to avoid an Airbus, however it’s been sometime now since I have changed my preferences.
The 2 best aircrafts by far are the A350 and A380.
After 737 MAX now looks time it’s time for 777X. Wonder how could they play with people lives. Boeing should stay away from this kind of cheap competition and focus on keeping the earned trust. Else this is going to be a monopoly for Airbus in coming years which is not good for aviation industry.