According to Xinhua News Agency, a preliminary investigation report released by the National Transportation Safety Commission on February 6th showed that the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, which had a door plug (embedded emergency door) detachment accident earlier last month, did not have the bolts that were crucial for fixing the door plug installed when it left the factory.
Previously, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft of Alaska Airlines had an accident shortly after takeoff, with a door stopper on the side of the cabin falling off. After the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States temporarily grounded 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Boeing and its suppliers are under continuous strict scrutiny. Foreign media reported that the "door drop" incident in the air has evolved into a comprehensive safety and reputation crisis for Boeing.
Photo evidence shows that the bolts required to fix the door plug are missing
On February 6th local time, the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States released a preliminary investigation report on the door plug detachment accident of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 passenger aircraft. The photographic evidence in the report shows that the bolts required to secure the door plug seem to be missing.
The report states that the door stopper involved in the accident should be fixed with four bolts, and then reinforced with 12 "stop fittings" on the side of the door stopper and door frame. The door stopper was manufactured by Boeing supplier Spirit at its factory in Malaysia and delivered to Spirit's factory in Wichita, Kansas, USA in May 2023, before arriving at Boeing's factory in Renton, Washington in August 2023.
The investigation found that factory records show that Boeing workers removed door plugs from the fuselage on September 1, 2023 to repair damaged rivets. But investigators have yet to determine the authorization documents for Boeing factory to remove and install door plugs.
The report states that photos and documents obtained from Boeing show that the door stopper on the left side of the fuselage has no fixed hardware (bolts) in three visible positions. The missing position of the fourth bolt is covered by insulation material.
However, the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States has not yet reached a conclusion on the cause of the door plug detachment accident.
American aviation safety expert John Cox told the media, "When was the last time those bolts were installed? Did Spirit not install them, or did Boeing not install them? I don't think we have an answer yet."
Cox also said that the Boeing factory lacked appropriate records when removing door plugs for rivet repairs. "When Boeing employees opened the door stopper, didn't these guys realize it didn't have bolts?" he said.
Boeing and its suppliers are under review
Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said, "Regardless of the final conclusion, Boeing is responsible for what happens. Such things must not happen on planes from our factory." Boeing stated that it has implemented a "control plan" to ensure that all 737 MAX 9 aircraft door plugs are installed according to specifications.
On January 5th, an accident occurred shortly after takeoff on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, with a door stopper on the side of the cabin falling off. The plane then made an emergency landing, with some passengers on board suffering minor injuries. The dropped door stopper was found in the backyard of a private residence in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon. The accident occurred only about two months after the aircraft was delivered to Alaska Airlines.
After the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, most of which were operated by United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. These planes were allowed to return to flight service at the end of January this year.
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines both expressed disappointment with the quality issues of Boeing's aircraft and may consider other aircraft purchase options in the future.
Foreign media reported that the accident has evolved into a comprehensive safety and reputation crisis for Boeing. The public urgently wants to know what caused an almost brand new passenger plane to "drop" in the air.
At the same time, US regulatory agencies and legislators are strengthening their oversight of Boeing. The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States banned Boeing from expanding production of its 737 MAX series aircraft at the end of January. The Federal Aviation Administration is also reviewing the production process of the Boeing 737 MAX series. Boeing and its related suppliers are under review.
On February 6th, Mike Whittaker, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States, told Congress that the current regulatory system is not functioning and does not guarantee the safety of aircraft, and that changes must be made.
US media reports indicate that Boeing has succumbed to pressure from regulatory agencies and legislators, giving up its request for temporary regulatory exemptions for other models of Boeing 737 MAX series aircraft. On February 6th, Maria Cantwell, Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, stated that Congress will hold more hearings on Boeing.
New Beijing News reporter Chen Yikai