A National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report concluded that the door that flew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 plane was missing four key bolts.
The report shows that, in September, damaged rivets on the edge frame forward of the plug were replaced by Spirit AeroSystems employees. Photos taken during the maintenance show that the door plug was closed with no bolts in three locations. The NTSB determined that the fourth bolt was also missing.
The preliminary report notes that "four bolts that prevent upward movement of the MED plug were missing before the MED plug moved upward off the stop pads."
In a statement, Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said: “Whatever final conclusions are reached, Boeing is accountable for what happened. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory."
The door plug is held in place by the four bolts as well as stop fittings in 12 different places. The part was manufactured by Spirit AeroSystems (SPR.N), a former subsidiary of Boeing.
In comments made during a phone call with investors, Calhoun noted that "serious challenges are ahead for the airplane manufacturer," and that the company is under intense scrutiny.
"We caused the problem, and we understand that," he said. "We simply must do better."
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