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The Boeing 737 Max 9 Plane Door-Plug Blowout Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has faced obstacles in its investigation of a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane’s door-plug blowout due to missing repair records and overwritten security camera footage. NTSB Chair, Jennifer Homendy, expressed concerns about the lack of documentation regarding the maintenance work on the aircraft.
Lack of Repair and Security Camera Footage
In a letter to the leaders of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Homendy highlighted Boeing’s inability to locate records related to the opening, reinstallation, and closure of the door plug on the accident aircraft. Additionally, attempts to access security camera footage for necessary information were thwarted as the footage had been overwritten.
Boeing stated that video recordings are typically kept for a 30-day period before being erased. The preliminary report from the NTSB revealed that the plane, delivered to Alaska Airlines after repairs at a Boeing factory, experienced a door-plug malfunction during a flight on January 5.
Mystery Surrounding Missing Bolts
The investigation found that four bolts crucial to the door plug were missing, potentially causing the blowout during the flight. Despite no evidence indicating that the door plug was tampered with after leaving Boeing’s facility, the missing bolts raised questions about the manufacturing or repair process.
- Boeing maintained that they have adhered to regulations concerning the dissemination of investigative information and pledged their cooperation with the NTSB’s inquiries.
Seeking Employee Information
Homendy’s communication to the Senate Commerce Committee addressed concerns about the lack of documentation provided by Boeing regarding the door-plug work and the identities of the personnel involved. While Boeing did furnish some names, a comprehensive list was necessary for the investigative process.
The NTSB, emphasizing the importance of understanding Boeing’s quality-assurance procedures and safety culture, sought to engage with relevant employees to prevent similar incidents in the future. Homendy assured confidentiality to employees coming forward with pertinent information.
Maintaining Investigative Integrity
Regarding the potential disclosure of investigative findings, Homendy reminded Boeing to adhere to the NTSB’s guidelines to maintain the credibility of the investigation. She underscored the necessity for a unified message from the independent agency conducting the inquiry.
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