The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is extending its net of caution surrounding Boeing aircraft, issuing a new safety alert recommending inspections on a second type of plane – the Boeing 737-900ER. This comes in the wake of recent concerns regarding door plug malfunctions on the similar 737-9 MAX model.
The latest safety alert stems from the discovery that the 737-900ER utilizes “an identical door plug design to the 737-9 Max,” according to the FAA. This shared aspect prompted immediate caution, fueled by an incident earlier this month where a door plug panel detached from an Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX mid-flight.
Seeking to avoid a repeat of the Alaska Airlines incident, the FAA is proactively recommending that airlines operating the 737-900ER perform inspections on the door plug bolts. This precautionary measure aims to identify any potential issues before they can lead to safety risks in the air.
The FAA’s recommendation is further bolstered by reports from some airlines, who revealed finding inconsistencies with the door plug bolts during routine maintenance inspections of their 737-900ERs. While the exact nature of these discrepancies remains undisclosed, their presence fuels the urgency for a wider inspection initiative.
The latest FAA alert and the ongoing concerns surrounding the 737-9 MAX add another layer to the intensifying scrutiny Boeing faces regarding the safety of its aircraft. The company has already been grappling with the aftermath of two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which led to its temporary grounding and significant reputational damage.
While the full extent of the potential risks associated with the 737-900ER door plugs remains under investigation, the FAA’s swift action in issuing a safety alert demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing passenger safety. Airlines are obligated to comply with the recommended inspections, ensuring a thorough examination of potentially faulty components.
The coming weeks and months will likely see a continued focus on this evolving situation, with further investigations and potential regulatory actions pending. Boeing, meanwhile, faces the crucial task of restoring public trust and confidence in its aircraft, addressing underlying safety concerns head-on.
