Spirit AeroSystems Investigates Missing, Duplicate Paperwork on Aircraft Parts Since 2010, No Safety Concerns Found

The U.S. supplier Spirit AeroSystems is currently conducting an thorough investigation of its record-keeping practices for various aircraft programs, spurred by the discovery of missing and duplicate documentation. This inquiry, which began in earnest following anomalies detected in reports from a measuring device, has prompted a detailed examination of records dating back to 2010.

Scope of the Investigation

Based in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit AeroSystems has embarked on a comprehensive review of its paperwork and inventory, scrutinizing hundreds of thousands of parts since 2010, the earliest date reflected in its records. This investigation was initiated after discrepancies were identified in reports generated by a machine used for measuring parts, as revealed by knowledgeable industry sources.

Impact on Safety

While the investigation is ongoing, the sources involved have indicated that no potential safety concerns regarding the affected parts have been uncovered thus far. Spirit Aero spokesperson Joe Buccino has confirmed that notifications have been sent to the affected customers, and an internal investigation is underway. The missing records account for approximately 4% of all records pertaining to parts that have been measured by a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) since 2010, encompassing components such as brackets, frames, and beams.

Importance of Documentation

The integrity of paper trails is of paramount importance in the aviation industry, as regulators place a high premium on transparent documentation to verify the safety of aircraft. Discrepancies, whether in the form of missing, duplicate, or incorrect paperwork, can precipitate extensive and costly investigations for manufacturers and suppliers.

Supplier's Clients

Spirit AeroSystems produces aircraft parts for a variety of clients in both the commercial and defense sectors, including major planemakers Airbus and Boeing. The latter is anticipated to acquire Spirit for $4.7 billion, although Boeing has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. Attempts to reach Airbus for a statement were unsuccessful.

Regulatory Oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has asserted that manufacturers are obligated to retain records for the products they produce to ensure compliance with safety standards. These records are subject to review by the FAA as part of its safety oversight responsibilities, underscoring the significance of accurate documentation in the industry.

Customer Reassurance

Interestingly, one of Spirit's customers expressed a lack of concern over the affected parts, citing the incorporation of backup measures or redundancies within the system.

The issue was initially brought to Spirit's attention by an employee who noticed irregularities in a subset of the CMM reports. This discovery prompted a more extensive investigation, revealing the existence of missing and duplicate reports, although the root cause of the problem remains unclear.

Automation and Future Steps

In a proactive response to the situation, Spirit has announced plans to automate specific processes related to the generation and storage of CMM reports, with the goal of minimizing the risk of human error. The company aims to implement this solution within the next 90 days.

This comprehensive investigation and the subsequent measures being undertaken by Spirit AeroSystems highlight the critical importance of maintaining rigorous record-keeping practices within the aviation industry. As the company works to address these discrepancies and enhance its documentation processes, stakeholders remain vigilant for updates on the situation.