WASHINGTON, Sept 25 (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate panel

investigating Boeing's ( BA ) safety culture on Wednesday

faulted the planemaker's quality practices and oversight by the

Federal Aviation Administration citing documents obtained in an

ongoing investigation.

The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which

is holding a hearing Wednesday with FAA Administrator Mike

Whitaker, said Boeing ( BA ) workers continue to feel pressure to

prioritize speed of production over quality.

The committee's Democratic staff said in a memo Boeing ( BA )

struggles to ensure employees are adequately trained, fails to

ensure improper parts are not installed and its quality

inspection procedures and the FAA's review raises questions

about qualifications and the independence of individuals

performing inspections.

In some facilities, Boeing ( BA ) personnel are allowed to inspect

their own work.

"Given the depth and history of Boeing's ( BA ) safety

deficiencies, its lack of candor with the FAA, and the agency's

reactive regulatory posture, the newly released information

raises questions about the effectiveness of the FAA's oversight

of the company," the committee said.

Boeing ( BA ) said it has "taken important steps to foster a safety

culture that empowers and encourages all employees to share

their voice, but it will require continuous focus."

The FAA did not comment but Whitaker said at a House hearing

Tuesday that Boeing ( BA ) needed to undertake significant safety

culture improvements that might not be completed for years.

The committee disclosed details of an FAA audit completed

after a door plug missing key bolts blew off a new Alaska

Airlines 737 MAX 9 jet at 16,000 feet in January.

The Justice Department and FAA are investigating.

The 116-page FAA letter details 97 Boeing ( BA ) allegations of

noncompliance that span "issues in Boeing's ( BA ) manufacturing

process control, parts handling and storage, and product

control." The audit found 23 examples where employees "failed to

follow processes or lacked proficiency," the memo said.

Whitaker has barred Boeing ( BA ) from expanding MAX production

until it makes major quality improvements.

The committee said an internal Boeing ( BA ) survey from May shows

many machinists feel pressured to prioritize speed over quality

during airplane production and said the FAA identified quality

inspection deficiencies at Boeing ( BA ) in 2017.

Whitaker's written testimony for the Senate hearing says the

FAA will "expeditiously provide notice, in real time, of any

activities that may be criminal so that DOJ can take any action

they deem appropriate."

Boeing ( BA ) agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy

charge in July after breaching a 2021 agreement with DOJ.