“India Detects 737 MAX Issue Following Alaska Airlines’ In-Flight Incident”
A recent safety inspection of Boeing 737 Max planes operated by Indian airlines has stirred concern after the discovery of a missing part – a washer – on one aircraft, according to India’s aviation regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). This finding prompted Boeing, the American aerospace giant, to issue a global directive urging the scrutiny of all 737 Max airplanes within 24 hours for any potential loose hardware.
A recent safety inspection of Boeing 737 Max planes operated by Indian airlines has stirred concern after the discovery of a missing part – a washer – on one aircraft, according to India’s aviation regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). This finding prompted Boeing, the American aerospace giant, to issue a global directive urging the scrutiny of all 737 Max airplanes within 24 hours for any potential loose hardware.
Among the 40 Boeing 737 Max planes registered to Indian airlines, including Akasa Air (22), SpiceJet (nine), and Air India Express (nine), checks on 39 planes revealed no issues. However, on the 40th aircraft, inspectors identified a missing washer. DGCA affirmed that actions recommended by Boeing had been promptly executed.
Boeing faces escalating pressure following an alarming mid-air incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 plane, where a door blow-out endangered the lives of 177 passengers. This event joins a distressing series of mishaps and crashes linked to the 737 Max, including two fatal crashes in 2019 that resulted in a worldwide grounding of the aircraft.
In response, the DGCA initiated comprehensive checks specifically targeting India-registered 737 Max 8 aircraft, focusing on over-wing emergency exits’ operation and closure. Notably, Indian airlines do not operate the Max 9 variant of the Boeing plane.
The situation has intensified as United Airlines reported issues related to installation and tightening on some 737 Max 9 planes, while Alaska Airlines also identified loose hardware on its aircraft. Subsequent to an emergency landing by an Alaska Airlines plane due to a pressurization issue, images circulated on social media capturing the terrifying incident, where a window panel blew out mid-flight.
Passengers witnessed the window and a section of the fuselage being dislodged after take-off. Despite the chaos, the skilled pilots safely managed to land the aircraft, averting major injuries. However, personal belongings were sucked out of the plane, and an important piece – a mid-cabin door plug – was discovered in a residential area.
The US National Transportation Safety Board diagram revealed securing components such as bolts and stop fittings, which ensure the door plug’s stability within the airframe. Consequently, the US Federal Aviation Authority swiftly grounded all Max 9 planes, leading to numerous flight cancellations. The FAA mandated immediate inspections for all Max 9s globally.
Sources By Agencies
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