The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is set to question witnesses from Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding a mid-air cabin panel blowout of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January.
The two-day hearing will include the release of documents and reports related to the investigation.
The incident significantly impacted Boeing, resulting in a two-week grounding of the MAX 9, a production ban by the FAA, and a criminal investigation.
Boeing has committed to implementing quality improvements following the event. Key witnesses from Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, which manufactures the 737 MAX fuselage, will testify during the hearings.
The NTSB will review 737 manufacturing and inspection issues, safety management, and FAA oversight.
Boeing recently agreed to buy back Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion and faced criticism for its handling of the investigation, including a violation of investigation rules.
The company also agreed to a $243.6 million fine to settle a fraud conspiracy charge related to two fatal 737 MAX crashes.
(Reuters)