Bomb sniffer dog teams failed multiple times in finding explosive materials during test exercises at some of the biggest airports in the country.
Data was released after a freedom of information request, calling into question the effectiveness of TSA K-9 teams at the nation’s airports.
An NBC News investigation found dogs failed annual certification tests 52 times between January 1, 2013, and June 15, 2015.
Dogs either failed to find planted explosives, or there were too many false alarms that would have resulted in unnecessary airport evacuations.
Dog sniffer teams failed 21 times at Los Angeles and 10 times at Washington Dulles, the report said.
Overall, the average pass rate of the tests was 87% but some airports, such as Dallas Love Field achieved much lower scores.
The country’s busiest airport Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta fared best with a 97% success rate, said NBC affiliate KXAS.
"If a team does not meet TSA’s rigorous guidelines, it is decertified and restricted from working," the TSA told KXAS in a statement.
"The team must successfully meet certification standards before returning to search duties. Dog teams that are unable to return to TSA’s high standards are subject to removal."
The agency said the pass rate improved to 93% for the second half of 2015 but declined to release official figures.
