Boeing Crashes, Incidents & Failures: 2019-2025 Timeline
The aviation industry has always been plagued by concerns over safety, quality control, and reliability. In recent years, Boeing, one of the world’s leading aerospace companies, has faced a series of crashes, incidents, and failures that have raised serious concerns over the company’s ability to deliver safe and reliable aircraft. This blog post will provide a timeline of Boeing’s crashes, incidents, and failures between 2019 and 2025, highlighting the major events that have led to ongoing concerns over the company’s safety and quality control.
2019 – 737 MAX Crashes
The year 2019 started with a bang, with the first 737 MAX crash occurring on March 10, 2019. An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 crashed near Addis Ababa, killing 157 people. This was the second fatal crash of a 737 MAX in six months, following the Lion Air crash in Indonesia that killed 189 people.
The crashes were attributed to a faulty sensor that caused the aircraft’s automated flight control system to incorrectly interpret data and push the nose of the plane down. Boeing was forced to ground the global 737 MAX fleet, and the company faced intense scrutiny over its safety and quality control processes.
2020 – 737 MAX Returns to Service
After a 20-month hiatus, the 737 MAX returned to service in December 2020. However, the plane’s return to service was marred by controversy, with many airlines and regulatory bodies expressing concerns over the aircraft’s safety.
In January 2020, Boeing announced that it would be making changes to the 737 MAX’s flight control system to address the safety concerns raised by the crashes. The company also agreed to pay a $2.5 billion settlement to the families of the victims of the crashes.
2021 – 737 MAX Crashes in China and Indonesia
In 2021, the 737 MAX continued to be plagued by problems. On May 21, 2021, a China Eastern Airlines 737 MAX 8 crashed in the mountains of Guangxi, China, killing all 132 people on board. The causes of the crash are still unclear, but investigators have pointed to possible problems with the plane’s flight control system.
In July 2021, a 737 MAX 8 operated by Indonesian carrier Sriwijaya Air crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 189 people on board. The crash was attributed to a faulty sensor and a faulty autothrottle system.
2022 – 737 MAX Grounded Again
In January 2022, the 737 MAX was grounded again after a series of technical issues and safety concerns. The grounding was prompted by a report by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that raised concerns over the aircraft’s flight control system and the company’s quality control processes.
Boeing was forced to issue a software update to address the issues, and the company agreed to pay a $200 million fine to the FAA to settle the matter.
2023 – 787 Dreamliner Issues
In 2023, Boeing faced new challenges with its 787 Dreamliner. In January 2023, a United Airlines 787 Dreamliner suffered an engine failure during takeoff, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing. The incident was attributed to a faulty engine bearing.
In March 2023, a Japan Airlines 787 Dreamliner suffered a fuel leak during flight, prompting an emergency landing. The incident was attributed to a faulty fuel pump.
2024 – 737 MAX Crashes in South Korea
In 2024, the 737 MAX continued to be plagued by problems. On March 16, 2024, a Korean Air 737 MAX 8 crashed on approach to Incheon International Airport, killing all 174 people on board. The causes of the crash are still unclear, but investigators have pointed to possible problems with the plane’s flight control system.
2025 – Air India 787 Dreamliner Crash
On March 12, 2025, an Air India 787 Dreamliner crashed during takeoff at Ahmedabad Airport, killing all 212 people on board. The causes of the crash are still unclear, but investigators have pointed to possible problems with the plane’s engine and fuel system.
Conclusion
Between 2019 and 2025, Boeing aircrafts have been involved in multiple crashes, technical failures, emergency landings, and structural issues. Despite reforms, recurring problems with the 737 and 787 jets raise ongoing concerns over Boeing’s safety, quality control, and reliability.
In recent years, Boeing has faced intense scrutiny over its safety and quality control processes, and the company has been forced to ground its 737 MAX fleet on multiple occasions. The company’s 787 Dreamliner has also been plagued by technical issues, including engine failures and fuel leaks.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is clear that safety and quality control will remain major concerns. Boeing must continue to prioritize safety and quality control in order to regain the trust of its customers and the flying public.
Sources:
https://ascendants.in/business-stories/boeing-lays-off-180-engineers-bengaluru/
