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FAA Proposes Directive for Boeing 737 Bathroom Latch Fixes After Safety Incident

The proposal targets over 2,600 US-registered planes following a passenger's entrapment and emergency landing, with stakeholder feedback due by May 27.

The issue applies to certain 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 737-900ER, 737 Max 8, and 737 Max 9 aircraft
Image
A Boeing 737 Max.

Overview

  • The FAA has proposed an airworthiness directive affecting 2,612 Boeing 737 aircraft in the US after a bathroom latch failure led to a passenger being trapped mid-flight.
  • The incident required an emergency landing, highlighting potential safety risks during turbulence or medical emergencies.
  • The directive applies to several Boeing 737 variants, including the 737 Max models, and recommends replacing faulty latches with improved designs.
  • The estimated cost of the repairs could reach $3.4 million, with individual latch replacements priced at up to $481, though warranties may offset some expenses.
  • Stakeholders have until May 27 to provide feedback on the proposed changes, which follow a series of similar in-flight service failures on other airlines.