In Moses Lake, Washington, a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 was observed in November 2020. The photo was taken by Ted S. Warren and is credited to The Associated Press.
In a statement released on Monday, United Airlines revealed the discovery of loose bolts and identified "installation issues" in a section of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft during inspections conducted in the aftermath of an in-flight incident involving a similar Alaska Airlines jet last Friday.
The inspections specifically target the plugs responsible for sealing off an area allocated for extra emergency doors, which are not a requisite feature on United and Alaska Max 9s. United, based in Chicago, reported instances related to installation problems in the door plug during preliminary inspections initiated on Saturday. Notably, these issues included bolts requiring additional tightening.
In response to the situation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) took the precautionary measure of grounding all Max 9s operated by both Alaska and United, as well as some utilized by foreign carriers. This decisive action followed a mid-air blowout on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 at an altitude of 16,000 feet on Friday night, compelling an emergency landing in Oregon. Fortunately, none of the 171 passengers and six crew members sustained serious injuries.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed that the detached door plug, measuring 66 by 121 centimetres and weighing 28.5 kilograms, was located on Sunday in the backyard of a residence near Portland, Oregon. Investigators intend to scrutinize the plug for insights into the circumstances leading to its detachment.
On Monday, the FAA granted approval for guidelines outlining inspections of door plugs on other Max 9 jets and authorizing necessary repairs. This regulatory move aims to expedite the return to service of the 171 grounded planes, pending successful inspections and any required remedial actions.
It is worth noting that Alaska Airlines possesses 64 additional Max 9s, while United Airlines holds a fleet of 79. Notably, no other U.S. airlines currently operate the Boeing 737 Max 9 model.
The developments underscore the aviation industry's commitment to ensuring safety and addressing potential concerns swiftly. As investigations continue, both United and Alaska, alongside regulatory authorities, are taking proactive steps to rectify the identified issues and ensure the safe operation of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.
