A recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines jetliner has raised concerns about potential safety issues with Boeing 737 Max 9 jets. Federal investigators revealed that a door panel slid up and detached during a flight, leading to an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon. The investigation is focusing on whether missing bolts caused the panel to come loose.
Both Alaska and United Airlines have reported finding loose parts in the door panels of some of their Boeing 737 Max 9 jets. This has prompted a series of inspections and cancellations of flights by the airlines. The incident has also put pressure on Boeing to address safety concerns surrounding the aircraft.
Boeing has pledged to work with airlines to address any findings related to the door panels. The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets until thorough inspections are completed. The investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause of the door panel detachment.
Despite the terrifying incident, all passengers and crew members onboard the flight were unharmed. The lost door panel was located in a back yard near Portland and will be sent to a lab for further analysis. In the meantime, Alaska and United Airlines have grounded several planes, causing significant disruptions to their flight schedules.
Shares of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, which installs the door plugs on the Max jets, fell following the incident. The investigation into the door panel detachment continues as authorities work to ensure the safety of passengers and address any potential issues with the aircraft.
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