WASHINGTON (AFP) ??” Already strengthed by a series of ethics riddles Boeing could be facing a deeper crisis that would affect the bottom line for the aerospace giant and the same of the largest US defense contractors.

WASHINGTON (AFP) ??” Already strengthed by a series of ethics riddles Boeing could be facing a deeper crisis that would affect the bottom line for the aerospace giant and the same of the largest US defense contractors.

Earlier this week, Boeing sacked chief financial officer Mike Sears for improperly recruiting a US Air Force official to join the firm at the time she was involved in decisions that affected the company.

The case involved the hiring of Darleen Druyun who retired late last year as the Air Force's principal legate assistant secretary for acquisition and management, and joined Boeing in January.

Druyun believed to be a guide official in crafting a controversial tanker leasing deal with Boeing while at the Air Force, was fired by the agency of Boeing this week along with Sears.

Boeing said it had hired former US senator Warren Rudman to review the company's ethics performances to avoid a repeat