GE (GE): problems upon problems

It is not enough that GE (NYSE:GE) missed its earnings and that Wall Street is challenging the company's structure.The firm's aircraft engine operation has run into troubles of its own.

According to The Wall Street Journal, "In another embarrassing maintenance blunder involving the aviation industry, General Electric Co. disclosed it is working with carriers and U.S. regulators to resolve questions about improperly certified parts in dozens of its jet engines."

The issue is by no means small. It involves almost two-dozen engine types and hundreds of parts. GE inspectors may have failed to catch the installation of uncertifed pieces of equipment.

GE needed to stay out of the headlines. The company was aggressively attacked after a poor first quarter earnings report. Analysts are questioning whether such a widely diversified firm can operate effectively. While the GE engine troubles are not related directly to that issue, it continues a string of bad news.

And, the press loves a negative story.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.