Audit Finds Gaps in FAA Oversight of United Airlines Maintenance

Report cites staffing shortages, high turnover, and improper use of virtual inspections at the federal agency.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A government watchdog audit has found that the Federal Aviation Administration's ability to effectively oversee airplane maintenance at United Airlines has been hindered by inadequate staffing, high employee turnover, and the improper use of virtual inspections instead of on-site reviews in some cases. The report recommends the FAA reevaluate staffing rules, conduct an independent workplace survey, and improve training on accessing and using United's safety data.

Why it matters

The findings raise concerns about the FAA's capacity to properly monitor maintenance at one of the country's largest airlines, especially given a series of recent maintenance-related incidents involving United planes. Effective oversight of airline safety is crucial for public confidence in air travel.

The details

The U.S. Transportation Department's inspector general audit, conducted between May 2024 and December 2025, found that the FAA sometimes had its personnel conduct inspections 'virtually' when it lacked staffing or funding for travel, even though agency policy requires postponing reviews that can't be done on-site. The report stated that doing the work remotely can create safety risks because inspectors may miss or misidentify maintenance problems. The audit also found ongoing staffing shortages at the FAA inspection offices tasked with United's oversight have resulted in fewer inspections being conducted, limited surveillance of the carrier's maintenance operations, and an 'overall loss of institutional knowledge'.

  • The audit was conducted between May 2024 and December 2025.
  • In March 2024, passengers had to be evacuated from a United plane that rolled off a runway after landing in Houston.
  • The next day after the Houston incident, a United jetliner bound for Japan lost a tire while taking off from San Francisco but later landed safely in Los Angeles.
  • In December 2025, a United flight experienced an engine failure during takeoff from Dulles International Airport before safely returning to the airport.

The players

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency responsible for overseeing and regulating civil aviation in the United States, including the safety of airline maintenance operations.

United Airlines

One of the largest airlines in the United States, with a fleet that the FAA is tasked with overseeing for maintenance and safety compliance.

U.S. Transportation Department's Inspector General

The government watchdog agency that conducted the audit on the FAA's oversight of United Airlines' maintenance program.

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What’s next

The FAA has agreed to implement the audit's recommendations, including reevaluating staffing rules, conducting an independent workplace survey, and improving training on accessing and using United's safety data by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

This audit highlights the need for the FAA to strengthen its oversight capabilities and ensure it has the proper resources and staffing to effectively monitor maintenance at major airlines like United. Effective oversight is crucial for maintaining public trust in air travel safety.