An investigative hearing into the CFM International engine failure on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 in April will be held on Nov. 14, the NTSB announced on Tuesday. The one-day hearing will focus on the engine’s fan-blade design, inspection methods and procedures, containment design and certification criteria. “This was the first fatal accident involving a U.S. Part 121 air carrier in almost 10 years,” said John DeLisi, director of NTSB’s Office of Aviation Safety.”This hearing will be an important part of determining why this tragedy occurred and will provide investigators important factual data regarding the engine fan blade and engine inlet design and certification.” One passenger died after engine parts shattered a cabin window.
No analysis or conclusions about the accident will be made at the hearing; it is for fact-finding only, the safety board said. During the hearing, the NTSB will gather sworn testimony from witnesses on issues identified during the accident investigation. Parties participating will be announced before the hearing. The hearing is open to the public and video will be streamed live online. Further investigative updates and hearing information will be issued as events warrant, the NTSB said.
