PORTLAND, OREGON – The National Transportation Safety Board recently released a new report on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, revealing that bolts were missing from a door plug that blew out midair on a Boeing 737 Max 9 last month. The incident left a gaping hole in the fuselage of the plane as it ascended out of Portland, Oregon, at approximately 16,000 feet. The panel that blew out was a plug for an unused emergency exit.

According to the NTSB’s preliminary report, the observed damage patterns and absence of contact damage or deformation around holes associated with the vertical movement arrestor bolts and upper guide track bolts indicate that four bolts were missing before the plug moved upward off the stop pads. This alarming revelation has prompted a closer examination of aircraft safety procedures and maintenance checks.

Following the accident, the FAA grounded the Max 9 for most of last month, although most of the planes in the U.S. have since returned to service. The NTSB’s report places the majority of the blame on Boeing, shedding light on what went wrong before the aircraft was handed over to Alaska Airlines. In response to mounting pressure and scrutiny, Boeing’s CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged the company’s responsibility for the incident and committed to addressing the issue.

Amidst the fallout from the accident, the FAA announced that it would halt Boeing from increasing production of the Max jet beyond the current 38 a month it is producing until regulators are satisfied with its production processes. This move reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for stringent safety measures to be in place before any further expansion.

These recent developments underscore the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and thorough maintenance checks within the aviation industry. The investigation into the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 is ongoing, and updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.