Inspections following a mid-air fuselage blowout on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 have revealed “installation issues” with door plugs
Inspections following a mid-air fuselage blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 have revealed “installation issues” with door plugs, prompting the grounding of 171 aircraft across the US. United Airlines, one of the major operators, has reported finding bolts needing “additional tightening” on its Max 9s, while Alaska Airlines discovered “loose hardware” on some of its fleet.
The incident on Friday, January 5th, saw a section of the fuselage, including the door plug, detach mid-flight over Oregon. The plane made an emergency landing, fortunately without serious injuries to passengers or crew. However, the dramatic event has cast a shadow over the safety of the Boeing 737 Max 9, a model that has already faced scrutiny following previous issues.
United Airlines, in a statement, acknowledged the “installation issues” with door plugs and vowed to “remedy” them before returning its Max 9s to service. The airline has already cancelled hundreds of flights due to the grounding.
Alaska Airlines, while waiting for specific inspection criteria from the FAA and Boeing, has also grounded its Max 9 fleet and is preparing for thorough inspections. The airline has reported finding “loose hardware” on some aircraft, further raising concerns about potential safety risks.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken swift action, grounding all 737 Max 9s in the US until operators complete “enhanced inspections” of the door plugs, door components, and fasteners. The FAA has also mandated corrective actions based on inspection findings before any aircraft can be returned to service.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident. While the cause of the blowout is still under investigation, it is not clear if it is linked to the pressurisation warning lights reported on previous flights of the same aircraft.
The grounding of the Boeing 737 Max 9s has caused significant disruption to travel, with airlines cancelling hundreds of flights. The incident has also revived concerns about the safety of the model, which has faced scrutiny since two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 led to its worldwide grounding for nearly two years.
Boeing, in a statement, expressed its “deep regret” for the impact on customers and passengers and reiterated its commitment to safety. The company’s 737 Max has been described as “the most scrutinised transport aircraft in history” due to its troubled past. However, Boeing faces the challenge of restoring public trust and demonstrating the safety of the Max 9 before it can take to the skies again.
This developing story has significant implications for the aviation industry, passenger safety, and Boeing’s reputation. As the investigation progresses and more information comes to light, it is crucial to prioritize safety and ensure thorough inspections before allowing the 737 Max 9s back into service.
Key points:
- 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s grounded in the US after Alaska Airlines incident.
- United Airlines found “installation issues” with door plugs, including loose bolts.
- Alaska Airlines found “loose hardware” on some Max 9s.
- FAA mandates enhanced inspections and corrective actions before aircraft can fly again.
- NTSB investigating cause of Alaska Airlines blowout.
- Boeing expresses regret but faces challenge of restoring trust.