New Delhi,United Airlines revealed today that loose bolts and installation problems were detected during inspections of some Boeing 737 Max 9 jets. These inspections followed a mid-flight fuselage incident with a similar Alaska Airlines jet last Friday.
The focus of inspections is on plugs used to seal areas where extra emergency doors are not needed. United Airlines reported instances related to installation issues in the door plug, including bolts requiring additional tightening. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded Max 9s operated by Alaska and United, along with some from foreign airlines.
The affected plane, en route to Southern California, experienced a mid-flight fuselage blowout but safely returned to Portland with no serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the incident, examining both the pressurization light issue and the recovered door plug.
As a result of the incident, both Alaska and United had to cancel numerous flights, with Alaska Airlines canceling 20% and United 8% of their scheduled flights.
