Boeing's Fatal Flaw (2021)

• 80%
• 2021
• Documentary
• Thomas Jennings

In an investigation with The New York Times, FRONTLINE examines the commercial pressures, flawed design and failed oversight behind Boeing's 737 Max jet and the crashes that killed 346 people. Caught short by its rival's gains, Boeing raced to update its workhorse jet rather than design a new one. Workers describe a hectic project but say they hadn't felt safety was compromised. But as it turned out certain aspects were overlooked like the MCAS system. This system that doomed two flights was expected to engage only rarely and originally used two sensors. Critical decisions were based on those factors, even when they no longer applied, employees said. Additionally, A Times investigation found that the F.A.A. regulatory process, which gave Boeing significant oversight authority, compromised the safety of the plane since the government has been handing over more responsibility to manufacturers for years with a new law which made it harder for regulators to review Boeing's work.