Alaska Airlines Jetliner Incident: Investigating the Door Panel Issue
By Braden Hirschi
Published January 9, 2024
Federal investigators revealed that a door panel on an Alaska Airlines jetliner slid up and flew off, prompting an examination into the potential absence of four bolts intended to secure the panel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) made these remarks following reports from both Alaska and United Airlines regarding loose parts in the panels or door plugs of certain Boeing 737 Max 9 jets.
Airlines' Inspections and Statements
Alaska and United Airlines conducted inspections and reported findings related to installation issues in the door plug, including bolts requiring additional tightening and visible loose hardware on some aircraft. These discoveries have intensified the pressure on Boeing to address mounting concerns following the frightening fuselage blowout experienced during Alaska Airlines flight 1282 on Friday night.
Boeing's Response and Safety Meeting
Boeing has organized an online meeting for all employees to discuss safety measures in light of the recent incidents. The door plugs, which are used in place of heavy doors on certain Boeing 737 Max 9s, are inserted where emergency exit doors would be located. The safety board is investigating the possibility of missing bolts contributing to the panel detachment during the flight.
The Incident and Ongoing Investigation
During the flight, roller guides at the top of one of the plugs broke, causing the entire panel to swing upward and lose contact with the door frame. NTSB officials are exploring whether the four bolts were missing during takeoff from Portland or were lost during the decompression event. These developments shed light on the need for thorough safety inspections and maintenance protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
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