Investigation Links Safety Issues to Cheap 787 Components

Italian prosecutors have formally accused seven individuals and two subcontractors of fraud and aviation safety regulation violations. This follows a 2021 investigation in which Boeing reported several parts of its 787 Dreamliner, supplied by a subcontractor of Italian aerospace group Leonardo, were defective.

The investigation alleged that the two subcontractors used substandard and non-compliant materials, including cheaper forms of titanium and aluminum, to produce their parts. This cost-saving measure resulted in “the realization of airplane parts with significantly lower static and stress resistance characteristics, with repercussions on aviation safety," stated the Brindisi prosecutors.

The titanium and aluminum parts were seized at a Leonardo plant in late 2021. They were reportedly fitted for use on “sections 44 and 46 of the Boeing 787 fuselages,” prosecutors explained.

The names of the specific subcontractors and individuals have not been disclosed; however, sources familiar with the matter have recognized Manufacturing Process Specification (MPS) and its bankrupt predecessor, Processi Speciali, as key contributors. Both of these companies are former sub-suppliers to Leonardo.

MPS Owner Antonio and his father Vincenzo, the former head of Processi Speciali, claimed that their actions were nothing but lawful.

The nine accused will have the opportunity to present any new evidence in their defense before prosecutors determine if there is a basis for a trial. Prosecutors worked with aerospace professionals to identify at least 4,829 non-compliant titanium components and 1,158 aluminum parts linked to the claims.

"The expert work and investigations concluded that some non-compliant structural components could, in the long run, create harm to the safety of the aircraft, requiring the U.S. company to initiate an extraordinary maintenance campaign of the aircraft involved," Prosecutors commented.

Boeing and Leonardo are both being referred to as victims of these alleged crimes.

FMI: www.boeing.com