The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has found that systemic failures at Boeing and lapses by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) led to a frightening mid-air incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet last year.
According to the NTSB’s report released on Tuesday, a door panel on the aircraft blew off shortly after takeoff because four bolts that were supposed to secure it were never installed at the factory. The plane, operated by Alaska Airlines, had just departed from Portland, Oregon, on January 5, 2022, when the panel flew off.
Thanks to the quick actions of the crew, the plane made an emergency landing, and everyone on board was safe. However, the incident has raised serious questions about safety practices.
The NTSB criticized Boeing for not providing proper training and oversight to its factory workers, leading to the critical error. The FAA was also faulted for ineffective inspections and audits that failed to catch the missing bolts.
“This was a preventable incident that underscores the importance of meticulous manufacturing and rigorous oversight,” the NTSB stated in its findings.
Both Boeing and the FAA have since improved their training and inspection processes. But the NTSB warns that unless they enhance their ability to identify and mitigate risks, similar incidents could happen again.
This report adds to the challenges facing the Boeing 737 MAX series, which has been under the spotlight for safety issues in recent years. It serves as a reminder of the vital importance of safety in aviation—something that affects travelers around the world.
