Early evidence suggests four bolts intended to prevent the door plug from shifting in its attachment brackets either failed or weren’t installed. Regardless, Boeing should have inspected the door plugs and assured these are in final condition prior to delivery. If Boeing, for any reason, removed the door plug on Alaska’s MAX 9, failure to reinstall the plug properly may not be an inspection escape. This door plug’s poor installation could, in theory, be the result of a production shortcut where the shop needed the door out of the way. Our team is now inspecting Spirit’s installation of the mid-exit door plug and approving them before the fuselage section can be shipped to Boeing.

Source: Ethiopian News January 15, 2024 19:04 UTC