Boeing’s mid-flight blowout was a massive tribulation for the firm

“It could have been much worse.”

Critical Moments after Takeoff

The alarming incident transpired shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport, as the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft ascended. 

An unused emergency exit door suddenly blew out, creating a gaping hole in the fuselage, causing a rapid loss of cabin pressure.

Mitigating Factors and Potential Disaster

Two critical factors lessened the impact. Firstly, passengers were wearing seatbelts during this initial phase of the flight, keeping them secured in their seats. 

Secondly, data indicates the plane ascended to around 16,300 feet before rapidly descending, which significantly reduced the pressure differential between the interior and exterior environments of the aircraft.

Potential Catastrophe at Higher Altitudes

At cruising altitudes nearing 38,000 feet, the pressure variance is substantially greater. Had the door blown out at this height, the violent rush of air could have been catastrophic, potentially causing passengers not wearing seatbelts to be forcefully ejected from the aircraft.

Life-Threatening Conditions and Reminders from Past Incidents

At such altitudes, extreme cold and a rapid loss of oxygen could imperil passengers and crew. Jennifer Homendy of the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) acknowledged the fortunate outcome and emphasized the severity of potential consequences.

Immediate Actions and Fleet Grounding

Following the incident, Alaska Airlines grounded its fleet of 737 Max 9s, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct inspections on 171 aircraft. 

Investigations are ongoing, focusing on potential design flaws, manufacturing defects, or other unforeseen issues related to the door’s integrity.

Relevance to Boeing’s History and Safety Concerns

This incident raises concerns about the safety of the latest 737 Max series. Boeing faced previous tragedies due to flawed flight control software, resulting in two fatal accidents in 2018 and 2019, leading to a total loss of 346 lives.

The ongoing investigation involves examining Boeing and its supplier, Spirit AeroSystems, to discern the underlying cause of the door malfunction. The broader implications for the safety and integrity of the 737 Max series have heightened scrutiny over potential design or manufacturing issues.