WASHINGTON, July 29 (UPI) -- U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing could be hit with a $2.75 million penalty by the Federal Aviation Administration for allegedly using the wrong fasteners on its 777 aircraft.
The FAA, in announcing that a civil penalty letter was sent to Boeing, said the proposed fine for failing to maintain its quality control system in accordance with agency-approved procedures was related to alleged non-conforming fasteners used on the company's commercial 777 aircraft.
"In September 2008, Boeing discovered that it had been installing non-conforming fasteners on its model 777 airplanes," the FAA said. "On October 2008, the FAA sent Boeing a letter of investigation that requested a response within 20 working days.
"The FAA alleges that Boeing repeatedly submitted action plans that set deadlines for the accomplishment of certain corrective actions, but subsequently failed to implement those plans."
A corrective plan was implemented by Boeing in November 2010.
"Safety is our top priority and a robust quality control system is a vital part of maintaining the world's safest air transportation system," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Airplane manufacturers must take prompt and thorough steps to correct safety and compliance problems once they become aware of them."
Added FAA Administrator Michael Huerta: "Manufacturers must make it a priority to identify and correct quality problems in a timely manner."
Boeing was given 30 days to respond to the FAA's proposed penalty.
