WASHINGTON _ The Federal Aviation Administration proposed a $5.4 million civil penalty against Boeing Co. for misrepresenting the safety of wing components installed on 178 of its 737 Max airplanes, the agency said Friday.
The parts, known as slat tracks, guide moveable panels on the leading edge of the wing to provide extra lift during takeoff and landing. The FAA said the planemaker asserted the parts met safety standards when they didn't.
The parts had failed a strength test, the FAA said Friday in a statement.
"Boeing knowingly submitted aircraft for final FAA airworthiness certification after determining that the parts could not be used," the agency said.
The proposed levy comes on top of a earlier proposed fine of roughly $3.9 million for Boeing's alleged installation of the same faulty components on some 133 copies of its 737 NG plane, which preceded the Max.
"We are working closely with our customers to take the appropriate corrective actions," Boeing said in a statement. "We will ensure that all inspections and any necessary part replacements are performed on all 737 Maxes before they return to service."
