An investigation into grounded planes has found “loose hardware” was visible on some of the aircraft.
Alaska Airlines grounded its Boeing 737-MAX 9 fleet after a midair blowout forced a plane to return to Portland on Saturday. Flight 1282 was just minutes into its journey when an unused cabin door broke away.
Known as a doorplug, it is used to fill an emergency exit that is built into the plane. It is however not needed by the airline.
The cabin depressurised in the aftermath, creating a rush of air that sent cabin crew headsets, phones and other items flying out of the plane. Six members of crew were reportedly serious injured in the incident.
The plane, which was six minutes into its flight to Ontario, California, returned back to the runway and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 aircraft of the same type.
Alaska Airlines has now said all of its 737-9 MAX fleet will be thorough inspected after the initial report found “loose hardware”. A spokesman said: “As our maintenance technicians began preparing our 737-9 MAX fleet for inspections, they accessed the area in question.
“Initial reports from our technicians indicate some loose hardware was visible on some aircraft. When we are able to proceed with the formal inspection process, all aircraft will be thoroughly inspected in accordance with detailed instructions provided by the FAA in consultation with Boeing.
“Any findings will be fully addressed in a matter that satisfies our safety standards and FAA compliance. The formal inspections will also require documenting all findings and those will be reported to the FAA.
“No aircraft will be returned to service until all of these steps are complete. The safety of these aircraft is our priority and we will take the time and steps necessary to ensure their airworthiness, in close partnership with the FAA.”
On Monday, United Airlines reported it has found loose bolts on plug doors on multiple 737-9 Max aircraft during inspections. United has reportedly found 10 planes with loose bolts.
Alaska Airlines said travel disruptions on its services are expected until at least mid-week after grounding 20% of its scheduled flights.
The “auto pressurisation fail” light had reportedly illuminated in the plane used for flight 1282 in December. Alaska Airlines bosses reportedly banned it from flying over water to Hawaii, in case it needed to turn back to an airport, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said.
A Boeing spokesman said: “As operators conduct the required inspections, we are staying in close contact with them and will help address any and all findings. We are committed to ensuring every Boeing airplane meets design specifications and the highest safety and quality standards. We regret the impact this has had on our customers and their passengers.”
