[FDOS]

Being reported that a window (looks like an exit hatch opening to me – I believe it is an option in one position and Alaska may have taken the aircraft with this hatch ‘plugged’) and some fuselage detached passing 16,000 feet, resulting in an emergency return and landing.

Alaska has grounded their 65 737 9 Max fleet, pro tem.

[AMcWhirter]

Would appear to be a plug, rather than a proper exit, door.

If you refer to the final photo on this BBC link you can see the door (or most of the door) having been detached from the fuselage.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67899564

[FDOS]

Ouch!

TBH, I didn’t realise that one could ‘plug’ an exit hatch, until I saw this.

Will be interesting to read the final accident report.

Good news is no injuries.

[CathayLoyalist2]

Is this going to be another chapter of “undisclosed issues” in the history of the 737 Max?

[Mark Caswell]

The FAA has now ordered the grounding of 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67903655

[Johnnyg]

Interestingly it did not state which airlines. This is in addition that all 737 Max aircraft have had to complete a check for a loose bolt in the rudder system as of 23 Dec 23. This under a directive from Boeing itself.

[GBAIR72]

I wont fly on that plane even if they paid me.
If that child hadn’t been wearing a seatbelt he would be dead.
I just don’t understand why airlines keep buying this flawed aircraft and people don’t mind flying it.

1 user thanked author for this post.

tomyam42

[GBAIR72]

I think you mean 737-9. United and Alaska are main operators

1 user thanked author for this post.

Mark Caswell

[Inquisitive]

I believe this door plug thing could be the result of super greedy airlines and aircraft makers to install more seats.

The important of adequate space is clear from Japan airlines and many other incidents. And so is passenger comfort like seat width, leg space and toilet sizes.

Regulators need to think hard and work on maximum seat allowed.
Also Max already had an issue with optional feature earlier. Regulator shall not allow any optional feature that is anyway linked to safety.

[CathayLoyalist2]

Some reports are saying that the window seat was not occupied, had it been doesn´t bear thinking about

[DavidGrodentz]

Inquisitive – I believe it is the opposite. The pair of emergency exits is required for airlines that fill the plane to the Max (pardon the pun). Airlines that don’t, such as Alaska who have fewer seats, don’t require the additional emergency exits, hence have these fuselage plugs instead

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AndrewinHK

[AndrewinHK]

@inquisitive the Max 9 if it is fully stacked with seats needs the extra emergency door, Alaska’s configuration for the Max 9 means the extra door is not needed, so they install a plug door as it is lighter and more cost-effective.

[SimonS1]

Just when you thought Boeing’s reputation couldn’t be trashed any further.

[SimonS1]

Tonight it is being reported that United have found the same fault of loose bolts on multiple aircraft. It really doesn’t sound too smart.

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DerekVH

[CathayLoyalist2]

Thus far 171 aircraft out of service. Boeing shares dropped 9%

[Author]

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