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yesterday

NTSB to Vote on Probable Cause of Boeing 737 Max Door Plug Blowout

The findings could assign responsibility for missing bolts by revealing lapses in Boeing’s assembly practices

The fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX, which was forced to make an emergency landing with a gap in the fuselage, is seen during its investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Portland, Oregon, U.S. January 7, 2024. NTSB/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • The board will hold a public hearing to vote on the probable cause and consider safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents.
  • NTSB’s preliminary report found that four bolts were not replaced after a rivet repair, allowing the door plug to detach at 16,000 feet.
  • Factory workers told investigators they faced pressure to work too quickly and performed tasks without proper training, contributing to the oversight.
  • Boeing has replaced its CEO, capped 737 Max production at 38 jets per month and created a senior vice president of quality role as part of broader safety reforms.
  • Regulators and Boeing are collaborating on design modifications and enhanced quality checks for the door plug to ensure secure installation.