According to a CNN report, Boeing announced on Wednesday that “the company responsible for the 737 Max airliner program, after a dramatic and horrifying mid-air explosion in January highlighted the plane's continued problems, Executive Ed Clark has been fired.”
A preliminary National Transportation Safety Board report found that four bolts that were supposed to hold the door plug in place were missing when the plane left the Boeing factory. The NTSB report did not assess who was responsible for the loss of the bolt and the accident, but Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said in a statement to investors before the findings were released. He said he was responsible for the accident. “We caused the problem and we understand it,” he told investors on a conference call after the company reported its latest quarterly loss. “Regardless of the conclusion reached, Boeing is responsible for what happened.”
Clark, who worked for Boeing for 18 years, had only been in charge of the Max program since March 2021, when he took over the role after the plane returned to service after the crash. However, he previously held positions related to the 737 Max, including chief engineer and chief 737 mechanic.
Along with the news of Mr. Clark's departure, Boeing also announced a number of executive changes within the Boeing Commercial Airplanes division. Created a new executive position, BCA Senior Vice President of Quality, and appointed Elizabeth Rand to the position.