In a public statement, Boeing CEO David Calhoun expressed remorse and acknowledged the company's mistake in a recent incident involving the 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Calhoun emphasized the company's commitment to complete transparency throughout the investigation process. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently examining the accident to determine the root cause.
However, the inspections of the 737 MAX 9 planes have faced delays as regulators instructed Boeing to revise its instructions for airlines to inspect the aircraft. Both United and Alaska Airlines have reported instances of loose hardware found on some of their MAX 9 planes. Due to these concerns, most of the MAX 9 planes have been grounded, including over 200 in service globally, with a significant number operating in the United States.
The revelation of this mistake has raised further alarms among aviation analysts and industry observers. Questions have been raised about how Boeing's manufacturing supply chain allowed such errors to occur. Analysts argue that the problem goes beyond a singular mistake, citing a series of previous incidents involving Boeing aircraft. These incidents run the gamut from loose nuts in the tail section to issues with the pressure bulkhead, and the tragic crashes linked to software problems designed to maintain proper flight operation.
The failure to properly secure bolts and employ safety measures like wire inserts is particularly perplexing for experts in aviation. Moreover, the absence of bolts on the ejected door of the affected aircraft is highly concerning. Observers highlight that even a three-year-old recognizes the basic principle of 'righty-tighty, lefty-loosey' when it comes to securing objects.
One of the incidents that has raised eyebrows is the case of the Alaska Airlines plane, where the pressurization warning light had been activated during prior flights. It has now come to light that some sort of leak developed in a door, causing the warning light to illuminate. Alaska Airlines had a policy not to fly long distances over water without a triplicate redundancy in the pressurization systems. However, they decided to fly the aircraft over land, as they still had two functioning systems. This decision was based on an abundance of caution, as the longest flight over water without an alternate landing site became a higher risk due to the faulty door.
These revelations have left many seeking answers and desiring further reassurance as the investigation unfolds. The expertise of industry professionals is highly valued in order to determine the cause behind these mistakes and ensure the safety and reliability of future flights.
