Ah, the Boeing 737 Max debacle continues. Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, we now have a gaping hole in an Alaska Airlines plane, thanks to a blown-out panel. But wait, it gets better (or worse, depending on your perspective). Investigators have no clue what caused this catastrophic event, with the focus now shifting to whether bolts were even properly installed to secure the panel. Talk about a major facepalm moment!
To make matters even more alarming, it seems like the issue of loose bolts and other quality problems with these infamous door plugs is not limited to just one plane. Both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have reported finding loose bolts and hardware in other panels. It's like a never-ending nightmare for Boeing and its subcontractor, Spirit AeroSystems. Can you imagine the chaos and frustration this is causing for the passengers and the airlines? Not to mention the impact on Boeing's already tarnished reputation.
Now, let's talk about Spirit AeroSystems for a moment. This company, which was spun off by Boeing itself, seems to have a knack for manufacturing problems. In fact, they have a track record of it, some of which were uncovered during an investigation into the two fatal crashes involving Boeing 737 Max 8 planes. Former congressman Peter DeFazio, who chaired the investigating committee, had some choice words for Spirit, claiming that Boeing has been content with their 'crappy stuff' because it's cheap. Ouch. That's not exactly a glowing endorsement, is it?
But hey, let's not forget about the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in all of this mess. They grounded all Max 9s in the United States until they could be inspected, but guess what? Boeing took its sweet time providing inspection instructions. Smooth move, guys. The FAA had to extend the grounding because they realized their initial instructions needed some serious revisions. Safety first, right?
Unfortunately, these inspection delays have thrown airline schedules into disarray. United and Alaska Airlines have had to cancel numerous flights, inconveniencing countless passengers. The ripple effect of this debacle is wide-reaching and infuriating.
So, what exactly failed on that ill-fated Alaska flight? We're talking about the door plug, which is installed when there aren't enough seats to require additional emergency exits. These plugs are supposed to be lighter than an actual aircraft door, reducing weight and saving fuel. They're quite common on converted cargo planes. But here's the kicker: the plugs are secured with bolts and connecting points. Four bolts and twelve connecting points to be precise. And guess what? Those four bolts that restrain the plug from flying off? They're nowhere to be found. Oops.
Now, the investigation will likely focus on manufacturing, assembly, and quality control. Some fingers may even be pointed at Boeing CEO David Calhoun, who has been brought in to help Boeing navigate through this crisis. It's a tall order, considering the company has already lost a whopping $23 billion and dealt with manufacturing flaws that have caused delivery delays across various aircraft models. No pressure, Mr. Calhoun. Or maybe a lot of pressure.
This whole door plug fiasco should serve as a wake-up call for Boeing and regulators. It's time to address the underlying issues and prioritize safety over speed. Former Boeing employees and outside experts have pointed out that the company's safety culture has taken a nosedive, especially since a merger in 1997 that brought in McDonnell Douglas leaders. It's time for Boeing to reclaim its position as the greatest engineering aerospace company in the world, instead of chasing stock prices and executive options.
And let's not forget about Spirit AeroSystems. They are no stranger to lawsuits and allegations of concealing quality failures. In fact, a federal securities lawsuit highlights defects in fuselage fittings, improperly drilled holes, and missing fasteners – just to name a few issues. Yikes.
At the end of the day, we can only hope that the investigation into these door plugs sheds some light on the problem. Perhaps it's just an installation error. Maybe that would be the best outcome, as it would spare Boeing from another costly redesign. Regardless, the safety of the flying public should always be the top priority.
As for Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, they have their work cut out for them. Rebuilding trust, ensuring quality control, and prioritizing safety are just the beginning. Let's hope they step up to the challenge because, as Ed Pierson, a former senior manager at Boeing's 737 factory said, it's better to act now before something worse happens. Truer words have never been spoken.
