Alaska Airlines Discovers Loose Bolts on 737 Max 9
Summary:
In a concerning development reported on January 9, 2024, Alaska Airlines has disclosed the discovery of loose bolts on their Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. This revelation has sparked widespread discussions and concerns among aviation professionals and enthusiasts. The issue has been trending in the aviation community, drawing a significant amount of attention and diverse opinions.
User Reactions:
- Christopher Gibbs: “Would be interesting to know if loose bolts were found during any of the inspections before the incident.”
- Jon Ostrower: “Nope, all after in the case of United. Not clear on Alaska at this point.”
- Jerry Sullivan: “How many loose bolts remain in parts of the plane that aren’t currently being checked with a fine-toothed comb?”
- Denny Green: “What a catastrophe seems to have been avoided. Several engineers are being terminated is my guess.”
- FlyMarshall: “The 737 max -10 is going to have some tail strike issues, even with augmented pitch from the computers limiting pitch angle.”
- RedWave Press: “This is a major issue. Boeing is going to have to answer for these issues.”
- Michael Toth: “IF ITS BOEING I AINT GOIN’.”
- D. Samuel: “Thank god airplanes are designed the way they are so that if a door blows off its hinges like this one did, that the plane can still land safely.”
- Moe: “Yikes. This makes two airlines reporting similar findings.”
- Lubdha Khandelwal: “Note to self: pack a wrench in your carry-on if you are flying a 737 MAX 9.”
- AMC: “This is unacceptable, Boeing! What other screws / fasteners and bolts on aircraft leaving your factory are not properly secured?”
- Frank Jimenez: “This is what happens when you hire for diversity and inclusion and not merit.”
- Vinny: “Whats the deal with ‘We continue to wait for final documentation’? Boeing is making a…checklist?”
- Oluwasegun: “This is not good for Boeing.”
- Dad of the Desert: “Torque wrenches are tricky things.”
- Hazel: “This makes two airlines reporting the same findings.”
- Global Intel Watch: “Could some people in Boeing face criminal charges, or will the business just face billion-dollar fines?”
- Jay Lav: “Southwest will need to comment next.”
- Michael Quintos: “😱😱”
- David 777: “Please fasten your 5 point safety harness and put on your fire gloves when flying on our Boeing 737 MAX 9.”
- Ian: “Corporate sabotage by an employee? Logs of who worked on what and when?”
- Samis (Harvard Grad): “Not surprising considering they were found on United.”
- Eric Hovland: “Once United did, Alaska was as well. Not speaking well to the QC at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems.”
- Tom Williams: “Was there no locking/safety wire on these bolts?”
- V1_CUT: “Any word if the max 8’s with plugs are next for the groundings?”
- Jon Ostrower (Editor-in-chief of @theaircurrent): Information about his background
This situation has understandably led to a mixture of concern, speculation, and calls for thorough investigation and accountability. The discovery of these loose bolts on such a crucial part of an aircraft raises questions about the manufacturing and quality control processes at Boeing. With the aviation industry still recovering from the challenges posed by the 737 Max series, this latest issue adds another layer of complexity and urgency for Boeing to address these concerns effectively.