In a surprising turn of events, a piece of a Boeing 737 Max aircraft recently fell off mid-flight, causing quite a scare among passengers and crew members. The incident occurred on a 10-week-old Alaska Airlines plane, adding to concerns about the model's safety and raising questions about the aircraft's design and quality control.
Retired 777 Captain Les Abend expressed his astonishment at the incident, emphasizing that the section in question was a service door, commonly referred to as a plug type door. It should have been sealed tightly against the airplane, regardless of whether it was used as an emergency exit or not. Captain Abend commended the crew for their quick thinking and adherence to emergency procedures. He noted that their primary focus was ensuring their own safety by immediately putting on their oxygen masks.
The crew efficiently initiated a checklist and rapidly descended the aircraft. The decision to descend promptly was influenced by the possibility of structural integrity issues after receiving a report from flight attendants regarding a significant hole in the fuselage. While there was potential to descend even faster according to FlightAware data, Captain Abend commended the crew for exercising their judgment and taking the necessary precautions.
The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the door's seal and why it failed, leading to it being sucked out of the aircraft during flight. The door in question is a plug-type door with surrounding pins and seals designed to ensure a secure fit. The fact that it opened on a pressurized airplane is perplexing and suggests a potential construction error.
Considering the gravity of the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a team to investigate the matter thoroughly. This unexpected occurrence has prompted calls for all Boeing 737 Max planes, irrespective of their configuration, to be temporarily grounded until a comprehensive investigation is concluded.
It's worth noting that this incident is unrelated to the MCAS system issues that plagued the 737 Max in 2019. However, it does highlight potential concerns regarding the quality control of these planes. Captain Abend expressed hopes that Boeing will rectify any existing flaws promptly and ensure that this incident was an anomaly rather than a reflection of broader issues.
While this particular door configuration may not be a cause for concern across all aircraft models, it is essential to investigate thoroughly to maintain passenger safety and trust. Airlines often customize their planes, including seating and cockpit arrangements, based on their specific requirements and emergency exit needs. Alaska Airlines, in this case, chose to utilize the door for seating purposes, given the availability of alternative emergency exits.
As the investigation unfolds, aviation authorities and airlines will closely monitor the situation to determine whether further safety measures or modifications are necessary for the Boeing 737 Max aircraft.
