Breaking News: Boeing Investigation Uncovers Potential Mistake in Door Plugs on MAX 9 Aircraft
In a recent excerpt from Boeing's all-hands safety meeting, CEO Dave Calhoun addressed a mistake the company acknowledges making, though the specifics remain undisclosed. The investigation into Friday's in-flight blowout has taken an intriguing turn, as new findings focus on the bolts within the Boeing 737 Max 9 designed to secure a vital component known as the door plug.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that the door plug blew out and upward during the incident, resulting in a chaotic and explosive decompression. This alarming detail has prompted both airlines and investigators to take a closer look at the door plug bolts, considered potential evidence in determining the cause of the incident.
Airlines involved in the investigation have already reported issues with door plugs on certain grounded Max 9 aircraft. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have highlighted loose hardware and possible installation problems, respectively. Moreover, investigators are actively searching for the door plug bolts involved in Friday's blowout, as they could hold vital clues to understanding the sequence of events.
The door plug in the Max 9 is secured by high air pressure within the aircraft, which pushes 12 tabs against matching tabs on the airplane's frame. While maintenance allows for the removal of four bolts at the top and bottom of the door, their absence could potentially lead to the door sliding out of place. Therefore, the presence or absence of these bolts is crucial in preventing the door from disengaging during flight.
Preliminary analysis of flight data from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 indicates that a cockpit alarm preceded the door plug blowout by just one minute. The NTSB has reached out to Spirit Aerosystems, the Boeing contractor responsible for constructing the Max 9 fuselage, as part of their ongoing investigation. Until the completion of thorough inspections, Max 9 aircraft remain grounded, awaiting further guidance from both airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA, in turn, is waiting for detailed information from Boeing to assist in the inspection process. As all parties collaborate to uncover the truth behind these incidents, ensuring the safety of the MAX 9 fleet is of paramount importance.
As developments continue to unfold, the aviation industry eagerly anticipates further updates from investigators. The investigation into the potential mistake involving the door plugs on the Boeing 737 Max 9 remains a top priority for both Boeing and regulatory authorities, as they work tirelessly to restore public confidence and maintain the highest standards of safety in aviation. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
