Boeing Inspecting Additional Aircraft

Aircraft with the same style door plug that departed an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 in flight now face scrutiny.

Monday, January 22, 2024 at 05:07 PM ET

Verified

The door plug on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 blew off as the aircraft climbed through 16,000 feet. [Courtesy: NTSB]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) recommending visual inspections of mid-exit door plugs on Boeing 737-900ER jets.
This directive is a precautionary measure following the in-flight door plug detachment on a Boeing 737 Max 9, as the 737-900ER utilizes an identical door plug design.
Operators are specifically advised to inspect the door plugs to ensure they are properly secured by the upper guide track and lower arrestor bolts, noting that some operators have already identified issues during initial checks.
Approximately 380 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, primarily operated by Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, are equipped with this door plug configuration.

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The FAA is asking the operators of Boeing 737-900ER jets to inspect their aircraft in the wake of the door plug accident involving a 737 Max 9. According to the agency, the 900ER has the same door plug as the Max 9, which has been grounded worldwide since January 6 following the loss of a door plug at altitude from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that resulted in an emergency landing.

On January 22, the FAA issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) recommending that operators of the Boeing 737-900ER conduct a visual inspection of the mid-exit door plugs to ensure they are properly secured.