Boeing CEO acknowledges errors after plane incident
During a safety meeting on Tuesday, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun addressed the recent incident involving a Boeing Alaska Airlines plane, in which a part of the aircraft detached mid-flight. This was the first time Calhoun spoke publicly since the incident occurred. He acknowledged the mistake made by the company and emphasized the importance of transparency and attention to detail.
Calhoun expressed his concern for the safety of passengers, stating, 'I didn't know what happened to whoever was supposed to be in the seat next to that hole in the airplane. I got kids, I got grandkids, and so do you. This stuff matters, everything matters, every detail matters.'
Investigations into the incident have focused on the four bolts that were designed to hold the detached part in place. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that they cannot confirm if those bolts were present in the first place. The NTSB Chair, Jennifer Homendy, shared that they have been in contact with representatives from Boeing to gather technical information necessary for the ongoing investigation.
Regarding Calhoun's statement about mistakes being made, Homendy expressed the need for clarification on what specific mistakes he was referring to. Understanding the nature of these errors is crucial to the investigation.
The NTSB's investigation has also highlighted the unexpected opening of the cockpit door during the incident. This feature, which was not documented in the flight manuals, took the flight crew by surprise. The NTSB will further explore the design and function of the door to understand why it opens during rapid decompression.
Homendy stressed the importance of ensuring that flight crews are well prepared for emergencies and not caught off-guard. She cited an incident where the cockpit door opened, resulting in a flight attendant being injured and communication difficulties between the crew members and air traffic control.
In response to whether the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft should continue to operate, Homendy deferred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make the decision. However, she recommended that the planes not be put back into service until a thorough understanding of the incident is reached. This understanding will inform the necessary inspections and repairs.
The investigation continues as the NTSB analyzes the fractured part and examines whether the bolts were missing or if they broke. The aviation industry awaits further updates from the NTSB and FAA to ensure the safe operation of Boeing aircraft.
