The airline reported discovering “instances” of problems seemingly associated with the door plug installation, such as “bolts that required further tightening.”
During examinations, United Airlines found loose bolts on plug doors on multiple 737 Max 9 aircraft, the airline reports.
This follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) announcement that all 171 Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft, one of which belonged to Alaska Airlines and sustained a window and fuselage fragment midair, will remain suspended indefinitely.
As a result of the weekend accident investigation, United discovered loose fasteners on additional components of at least five panels, according to the industry publication Air Current.
United stated in a release that since preliminary examinations began on Saturday, they have found instances related to installation issues with the door plug, such as bolts requiring additional tightening.
The airline operates 79 737-9 aircraft and will fix the flaws so it may be used again.
Alaska Airlines canceled 141 of its regularly scheduled flights on Monday.
Boeing said it strives to meet the highest safety, quality, and design criteria for each airplane. The airline expressed remorse for the inconvenience caused to passengers.
Events Surrounding Aircraft Incident
The Alaska Airlines flight was suspended after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, due to depressurization caused by the door plug’s detachment. This compelled the pilots to make a U-turn.
SubsequentBob, an anonymous educator from Cedar Hills in Portland, made a subsequent discovery of the absent connector.
Inspectors will examine the 26-by-48-inch, 63-pound plug for signs of separation.
“Don’t miss out! Grab your free shares of Webull UK today!”
The occurrence transpired after the illumination of the auto-pressurization failed to light on the identical aircraft on December 7th, 2018, and January 3rd and 4th, this year.
The airline decided to prohibit the aircraft from making lengthy water routes to Hawaii if it needed to return to an airport, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported.
Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, stated that the connection between those incidents and the disaster is unknown.
Ms. Homendy disclosed additional information regarding the chaotic scene on the aircraft. An air surge destroyed many rows of seats, and the cockpit door hit a bathroom door.
Two mobile phones were discovered on the ground, which appeared to be the property of passengers on the flight. One was found alongside a roadside, and the other in a garden.
Post Office scandal: Rishi Sunak suggests clearing all victims