While undergoing maintenance at Boeing's San Antonio, Texas plant, the oxygen system aboard one of two VC-25 planes available to President Donald Trump was contaminated. According to Air Force investigators, between April 1 and April 10, 2016, three mechanics, employed by Boeing, were responsible for the contamination of the oxygen system and the $4 million in damages.
3 mechanics responsible for damage
The investigation showed that the three mechanics caused the problem by using incorrect materials. The tools they used were non-oxygen clean tools.
They also used the wrong parts and components, a non-standard cleaning procedure, and the wrong regulator while conducting an oxygen system leak check.
The investigation reported that all tools and components used on any aircraft's oxygen system must be cleaned in very specific ways to ensure the removal of residue that might react when coming into contact with oxygen.
Contaminated oxygen system
A contaminated oxygen system, if left unchecked, could increase the chance of fire or explosion. Last year's potentially fatal mistakes made by Boeing's mechanics were paid by the aerospace contractor and fortunately did not result in injuries. Boeing told CNN that they completely understand how vital it is to hold themselves to the level of responsibility that is needed when working on Air Force One.
According to Boeing, the investigation into the oxygen system mishap began because the mechanics responsible for the damage notified their superiors.
Boeing released a statement
Boeing's company statement said that they made sure to act quickly to self-report the problem to the United States Air Force. It went on to say that they fixed the problem with no cost to the U.S.
government. According to Boeing, the plane is now ready for presidential service and meets all the requirements determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Air Force. The U.S. Air Force has conducted its own inspection of Air Force One, concluding that it now meets all FAA requirements and U.S.
Air Force standards.
Questions have been raised
Questions have been raised about the potentially dangerous situation Boeing put the President's aircraft in despite the contract they currently have with the U.S. Air Force. Boeing's contract includes building the President's plane and performing maintenance on both aircrafts. Failing to use correct cleaning materials and procedures on Air Force One is troubling, and brings into question Boeing's training methods.
