Some Parts May Have Been Manufactured Using Falsified Data

A scandal involving Japanese company Kobe Steel has caused some embarrassment for Boeing, after it was revealed that aluminum parts manufactured using falsified data have found their way into Boeing airliners.

CNN Money reports that Kobe Steel has admitted that it used fabricated data related to the quality and strength of copper and aluminum used in products, including Boeing airliners. The suspect aluminum manufactured by Kobe Steel was used by Mitsubishi, Kawasaki and Subaru, all of which make parts for Boeing jets. Another Boeing supplier, Nabtesco, which makes actuators for flight controls, also used aluminum manufactured by Kobe Steel.

Authorities say there is unlikely to be a safety concern related to the parts manufactured with the suspect aluminum. But Boeing must now identify and account for all of the parts made with the material to assure compliance with regulatory standards.

In a statement, a Boeing spokesman said the planemaker has been working closely and continuously with our suppliers ... to ensure timely and appropriate action, including comprehensive inspections and analysis throughout our supply chain. Nothing in our review to date leads us to conclude that this issue presents a safety concern."

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report