Several airlines have grounded their Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleets following an alarming incident involving an Alaska Airlines aircraft. On January 5, 2024, an Alaska Airlines 737-9 experienced a plug door blowout shortly after departing from Portland International Airport (PDX) at around 5pm local time. The incident has led to a worldwide response, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issuing an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) on January 6, 2024, for 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker announced the immediate inspections requirement for the specified Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes as part of the FAA’s commitment to safety. This move underscores the agency’s proactive approach in ensuring the safe operation of these aircraft while assisting in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)’s investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.
Airlines React to the Directive
In the wake of the FAA’s directive, United Airlines grounded all its 737-9 aircraft, expanding on its initial plan for selective inspections. Turkish Airlines grounded four of its 737 MAX 9 aircraft, while Panama’s national flag-carrier, Copa Airlines, confirmed the grounding of 21 737-9s. AeroMexico also announced that all its MAX 9s would undergo inspections. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reached out to foreign carriers operating the jet, ensuring checks are conducted before these aircraft enter UK airspace.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has requested Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet to conduct immediate inspections of their Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft emergency exits. Although no Indian airline operates the 737-9, this measure reflects the global concern for aircraft safety in light of the recent incident.
NTSB Investigation Underway
NTSB investigators arrived in Portland on January 6, 2024, to begin evidence gathering, asking the public to help locate the missing plug door near the Cedar Hills area close to PDX. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized the fortunate outcome of the incident, noting that no passengers were seated in the area where the door plug was located.
Alaska Airlines reported that 18 of its 737-9 MAX aircraft had undergone thorough inspections and were initially cleared for service. However, these aircraft were later pulled from service following the FAA’s EAD, pending further maintenance details. The airline also noted that several passengers on Flight AS1282 required medical attention due to the incident. Boeing, in its latest statement, expressed regret for the impact of the event and supported the FAA’s decision for immediate inspections. A Boeing technical team is also assisting the NTSB’s investigation.
Understanding the Plug Door Mechanism
A plug door, located between the wing and the rear cabin exit, can be used as an emergency exit during manufacturing if required by an airline. In the case of the Alaska Airlines 737-9 MAX, the seating configuration did not necessitate additional emergency exits, leading to the door being ‘plugged.’ To passengers, this door would appear as a regular window, but from outside, the optional emergency exit is visible.
The aircraft involved, registered as N704AL, was delivered to Alaska Airlines by Boeing in October 2023 and entered service on November 11, 2023.
The recent incident with an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 has led to a global response, with airlines grounding their fleets and authorities issuing directives for immediate inspections. This coordinated effort reflects the industry’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.
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