Context:

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has criticized Boeing for significant safety protocol failures following a midair door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max flight in January 2024. The investigation revealed that four critical bolts were missing from the door plug, and a lack of documentation made it impossible to determine responsibility for the oversight. The incident highlighted systemic issues at Boeing, including reliance on inadequately trained workers and a single point of failure in safety processes. As a result, Boeing underwent management changes and increased safety training, while the FAA enhanced its oversight of the 737 Max production facility. This blowout incident was a severe setback for Boeing, further complicating its efforts to restore public trust after previous deadly crashes involving the same aircraft model.

Dive Deeper:

• In January 2024, a door-sized section of a Boeing 737 Max blew off midair on an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting an NTSB investigation that uncovered missing bolts meant to secure the door plug. The absence of these bolts was a critical oversight that could have been prevented by proper safety protocols.

• The investigation identified that Boeing had systemic failures, such as relying on a workforce with insufficient formal training and a lack of clear documentation and accountability for the removal and reinstallation of the door plug panel.

• The incident led to a crisis within Boeing, resulting in the resignation of its former CEO, Dave Calhoun, and a shakeup in management at the Renton factory where the 737 Max is built. Boeing has since committed to enhanced training and safety measures to prevent future incidents.

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the incident by increasing its oversight of Boeing's manufacturing processes, aiming to ensure that safety standards are strictly adhered to in the production of the 737 Max jets.

• The blowout incident further complicated Boeing's efforts to rebuild trust with regulators and the public after previous fatal crashes involving the 737 Max. Despite these challenges, Boeing has made progress in improving safety protocols and production rates under the leadership of current CEO Kelly Ortberg.