Actions

Boeing ex-pilot's trial starts on fraud charges over 737 Max

Elaine Thompson/AP

FILE- In this Sept. 30, 2020, file photo, a Boeing 737 Max jet, piloted by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Steve Dickson, prepares to land at Boeing Field following a test flight in Seattle. Boeing says it has informed 16 of its customers that they should address a possible electrical issue in certain 737 Max aircraft before using them further. Boeing said Friday, April 9, 2021, that the recommendation was made “to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system.” (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

By: Associated Press

Posted

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A former Boeing test pilot is on trial on charges of misleading regulators about the Boeing 737 Max, the model that was involved in two deadly crashes.

Mark Forkner faces four counts of fraud. His trial started Friday in U.S. district court in Fort Worth, Texas, with selection of a jury and then opening statements by a prosecutor and a defense lawyer.

Forkner was Boeing’s chief technical pilot for the Max, which gave him a key role in deciding how much training pilots needed before flying the plane.

Prosecutors say he downplayed the importance of a new flight-control system to keep costs down and help Boeing sell more planes.

Actions

Boeing ex-pilot's trial starts on fraud charges over 737 Max

Sign up for the South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.

now signed up to receive the South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter.

At WPTV, It Starts with Listening