The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported on Sunday that it has successfully located the missing plug door from the Boeing 737 MAX 9 involved in the recent emergency landing of an Alaska Airlines flight. The incident, which occurred on January 6, 2024, resulted in the plug door tearing off the aircraft after takeoff, causing depressurization and prompting the pilots to return for an emergency landing with all passengers and crew safely aboard.
The missing door, weighing approximately 60 pounds, was found in the backyard of a residence in a suburban neighborhood by a Portland school teacher identified only as "Bob." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the incident by ordering the temporary grounding of 171 Boeing MAX 9 jets equipped with similar panels covering an optional exit door, mainly used by low-cost airlines.
Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the NTSB, expressed relief that the crucial aircraft component had been located. She emphasized that the recovered door is a vital element in determining the cause of the accident, and investigators will thoroughly examine it for evidence such as witness marks, paint transfer, and its overall condition.
During the incident, the force generated by the loss of the plug door was powerful enough to blow open the cockpit door during flight. Homendy described the event as "terrifying" and highlighted the challenges faced by the pilots, including communication issues in the cockpit. She called for regulatory authorities to mandate the retrofitting of existing planes with recorders capable of capturing 25 hours of data, an increase from the current requirement of two hours.
The FAA extended the grounding of the affected Boeing MAX 9 planes until they were deemed safe to operate. This has led to widespread flight disruptions, with Alaska Airlines and United both canceling numerous flights. The incident has placed Boeing back under scrutiny, impacting its ongoing efforts to secure certification for its MAX 7 and MAX 10 models. The industry is closely monitoring developments and awaiting detailed instructions from the FAA and Boeing regarding the necessary inspections and safety measures.
