After Alaska Airlines grounded a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner due to repeated warning light alerts indicating a pressurization issue, a door plug ruptured off during its flight across Oregon, injuring no passengers or crew. It was later discovered that the warning light had gone off during three previous flights, which caused the plane to be restricted from long flights over water. Flight operations had been suspended as investigators continue to look for clues as to how the door plug broke off, leaving no cockpit voice recording from the flight to assess the situation.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered the grounding of 171 of the 218 Max 9s in operation, prompting the cancellation of numerous flights for both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. With various issues flagged in the Max planes, including manufacturing flaws and rudder system concerns, ongoing efforts to inspect and update planes, as well as the tiresome cycle of groundings and disasters, questioned the safety of the Boeing 737 Max series.
The discovery of the missing door plug near Portland, Oregon, invited locals to assist in the search, ultimately found by a school teacher. While videos posted by on-board passengers showcased the frightening experience, it was extremely fortunate that the explosion did not occur during cruising altitude. The plane had already been on 145 flights since entering commercial service, and the series had been grounded worldwide for nearly two years due to the exposures in the automated flight control system. With the Max series’ continual issues, including the 2018 and 2019 crashes, an increased focus on safety regulations, overall quality control inspections, and FAA oversight becomes necessary.
