FAA Investigating Planes Built with Counterfeit Parts
Recent news reports shared how parts with falsified records were recently discovered on Boeing and Airbus planes, calling into question whether the parts complied with FAA standards for quality. The titanium in the parts, which came from a supplier in China, lacked the proper credentials to verify its makeup and where it was made, leading the FAA to open an investigation on the impact of the issue.
The story was first reported in the New York Times, when a supplier found small holes from corrosion in the titanium alloy. The Italian company, Titanium International Group, noticed the material looked different from previous supplies. The paperwork, which is a statement of conformity for the titanium material, also seemed inauthentic.
Spirit AeroSystems, which uses the titanium to manufacture parts, proceeded to remove all the counterfeit titanium from its production line. Titanium alloys have long been used in airframes, landing gear and other airplane parts due to their strength, resistance, and light weight. However, some of the counterfeit parts had already been installed on Boeing and Airbus planes. Spirit AeroSystems declined to reveal just how many planes were affected, saying it performed over 1,000 tests to ensure that the counterfeit parts were airworthy, and that any affected parts could be replaced during scheduled future maintenance checks.
The FAA will determine whether the airlines will need to replace the parts sooner.
If you or someone you love was injured while traveling on an airplane and believe that negligence or error was involved, it may help to discuss the details with an experienced aviation accident attorney in Philadelphia. Firm founder Tom Duffy is a licensed and skilled commercial multi-engine pilot and understands the procedures and mechanics behind air travel. Contact us today to set a convenient time to speak.