by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Tue January 9, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved a method on
Monday night for impacted airlines to comply with the Boeing 737 MAX 9
emergency airworthiness directive, forcing airlines to cancel flights on
impacted planes.
The FAA grounded
specific Boeing 737-9 aircraft around the United States after an Alaska
Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing last week after the
cabin became depressurized due to a door panel coming loose midflight.
“The FAA’s priority is always keeping Americans safe,” the
federal agency said in a statement. “In that spirit, Boeing 737-9 aircraft will
remain grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections which include
both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners.”
“Operators must also complete corrective action requirements
based on findings from the inspections prior to bringing any aircraft back into
service,” the statement continued.
FAA officials revealed the National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) would lead the investigation into the incident surrounding Alaska Flight
1282. NTSB Chief Jennifer Homendy said the fittings
at the top of the door plug that ripped off the plane were fractured.
“We don't know if the bolts were loose,” Homendy told ABC
News. “We don't know if bolts were in there fractured or possibly the bolts
weren't there at all. We have to determine that back in our laboratory.”
Mechanics for the carriers flying the most 737 MAX 9 planes,
Alaska and United Airlines, got to work immediately after the FAA issued its
approval method and reported finding “loose hardware” in the relevant area and bolts
that needed tightening on several panels, according to Reuters.
Boeing officials said the company was working with impacted airlines
and would be available to help address any issues found during inspections.
“We are committed to ensuring every Boeing airplane meets
design specifications and the highest safety and quality standards,” a
spokesperson said. “We regret the impact this has had on our customers and
their passengers.”
As a result, Alaska issued a “flexible travel waiver” across
its network, allowing all customers to change their flights, regardless of the
plane operating the route. Passengers can rebook their flights until January 20
without a fee or cancel the reservation for future travel credit. Travelers who
are unable to be accommodated will receive a full refund.
“The 737-9 Max grounding has significantly impacted our
operation,” an Alaska spokesperson said. “We have canceled 170 Sunday flights
and 60 cancellations for Monday, with more expected. Cancellations will
continue through the first half of the week, and we encourage guests with
travel plans to continue to check their email and alaskaair.com for updates.”
United, which grounded 79 MAX 9s in its fleet, canceled 226
flights on Monday, or eight percent of its scheduled departures, according to
the Washington
Post.
After an extensive search, the ripped-off door panel was
discovered Sunday by a Portland school teacher who reportedly found it in his
backyard. Homendy said the agency was relieved it found the piece, calling it a
“key missing component” in the investigation.
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