Southwest Temporarily Grounds 130 Boeing 737-800 Airplanes Over Weight Data

The FAA alleged that Southwest operated the flights with incorrect operational empty weights, and center of gravity or moment data, which is used to determine how many passengers and how much fuel can be safely carried and where cargo should be located.

A February report by the Transportation Department’s Office of Inspector General said the FAA violated its own guidance in addressing non-compliance by Southwest.

The report said from early 2018 until August 2019, FAA allowed Southwest Airlines “to continue reporting inaccurate and non-compliant weight and balance data based on the carrier’s risk determination.”

The FAA told the inspector general’s office in January it had been monitoring Southwest’s performance weight and balance program and “continues to monitor (Southwest’s) implementation of corrective measures.”

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