A Boeing Max jet operated by Alaska Airlines that lost a door panel midflight in early January seemed to be missing four key bolts, a preliminary report by U.S. safety officials said. BA stock gained ground on Tuesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report included photo evidence showing bolts were missing from the door plug. The plug, or panel, had been removed to fix rivets that were damaged in the production process, according to Reuters.
Until now, the NTSB had not said what caused the panel — fitted into this Max 9 model instead of an optional exit — to detach midair.
Earlier on Tuesday, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) vowed to hold the Dow Jones aviation giant accountable for any safety violations that led to the incident in early January.
And Spirit AeroSystems, a supplier of 737 Max fuselage components, reported earnings.
BA Stock, Spirit Stock
Shares of Boeing and Alaska Airlines posted gains in the 1%-2% range on the stock market today. BA stock remains below all the major averages. The Jan. 5 Boeing Max blowout also ripped a hole in a BA stock breakout last December past a 243.10 buy point.
SPR stock popped 5%. Spirit AeroSystems on Tuesday reported surprise earnings for the fourth quarter of 48 cents per share, beating estimates for a 35-cent decline, according to FactSet.
The jet supplier withheld 2024 guidance due to the Boeing issues. Based in Wichita, Kan., Spirit AerosSystems was spun out of Boeing in 2005.
Boeing Max Blowout
On Jan. 5, one of Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 9 jets lost its exit door in flight.
Investigators have spent the past month investigating what caused the midair blowout of the door plug from the fuselage, or main body, of the jet.
The incident led to an emergency landing of the jet — and the FAA to ground Max 9 jets for inspections. The planes were approved to resume flying in late January.
Various news outlets on Sunday said Boeing discovered more problems in some 737 Max fuselages, which may delay deliveries of about 50 planes.
