U.S. air safety regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has grounded 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 jetliners for safety checks following an emergency landing in Oregon. The incident occurred when a piece of the fuselage tore off the aircraft just after takeoff, forcing pilots to return to the airport safely with all passengers and crew on board. Fortunately, no passengers were seated near the cabin panel that blew out, averting a potential tragedy.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that the two seats next to the blown-out fuselage were unoccupied, adding that they were very, very fortunate that the incident did not end in a more catastrophic manner. The FAA has ordered a probe into the structural failure that caused the emergency landing and has grounded all affected Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes for inspections.
While some minor injuries were reported, Homendy praised the FAA’s swift action in grounding the aircraft to ensure continued safety. Investigators will examine maintenance records, the pressurization system, and the door components to determine the cause of the incident. The missing door plug, believed to be in a suburb west of Portland, is also being sought, and the public’s assistance has been requested.
Alaska Airlines, one of the carriers affected by the grounding, has already suspended flights for 18 of its MAX 9 planes after conducting thorough inspections. The airline is in discussions with the FAA to determine the necessary steps before these aircraft can return to service. The FAA is expected to announce inspection requirements soon, with the safety directive applying to U.S. airlines or aircraft in U.S. territory.
The Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes equipped with a specialized door replacement plug will not be allowed to fly until they are inspected and repaired if necessary. The deactivated door is typically used by low-cost airlines with additional seats requiring more evacuation paths. Most of the MAX 9 planes delivered so far are equipped with the deactivated door.
The incident has had a significant impact on Alaska Air and United Airlines, the only two U.S. carriers operating the MAX 9. Alaska Air has already canceled a significant number of flights, with disruptions expected to last through mid-week. Other airlines around the world, including Turkish Airlines and Copa Airlines, have also temporarily grounded their MAX 9 aircraft for inspection.
Boeing is currently waiting for certification of its MAX 7 and MAX 10 models, which are necessary for competition with Airbus’ A321neo model. The manufacturer has faced numerous production issues with the MAX planes since the crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia that resulted in the grounding of the entire MAX fleet for 20 months.
The investigation into the recent emergency landing will focus on determining the cause of the structural failure in the fuselage. The FAA and other regulatory agencies are committed to ensuring the safety of the aircraft and the passengers they carry.
