DOJ probes Alaska flight incident as Boeing faces new safety scrutiny
The reasons behind the incident, which caused a stir in American public opinion two months ago remain unclear. A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board indicated that the door's explosion during the flight was due to missing components. Inspectors discovered that four screws, which were supposed to secure the door panel, were absent.
As a consequence of the door's explosion, which occurred at an altitude of about 5,000 meters, a window and a piece of the fuselage's cladding broke away and fell from the aircraft shortly after takeoff.
Another incident just "two days before the trial period ended"
The investigation by U.S. officials may have significant repercussions. A six-week FAA audit of the production processes and quality control at Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, revealed "numerous instances where these companies likely failed to meet production quality control requirements," according to the "Financial Times".
The door detachment on an Alaska Airlines plane could also affect Boeing. This situation occurred merely two days before the conclusion of a three-year trial period linked to previous issues with uncontrolled descents of some planes in the 737 Max series.
Significant damage and safe landing
The incidents during the Alaska Airlines flight in January were severe, yet the plane landed safely. Nonetheless, for passengers, it was an absolute nightmare given the significant damage to the aircraft. A photo shared with the media by a passenger showed a large hole in the aircraft's side, adjacent to the passenger seats.
- We heard a loud bang from the rear, on the left side. A whistling sound followed, and immediately all oxygen masks dropped down and everyone put them on - one of the travellers reported.
