Airlines report loose bolts on Boeing 737 MAX planes

United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have reported instances of loose hardware related to the door plug component on some of their aircraft, following an incident with an Alaska Airlines passenger plane that made an emergency landing due to a door plug component failure. United Airlines found installation issues, such as bolts needing additional tightening, while Alaska Airlines identified visible loose hardware on some aircraft. Boeing shares fell as investors assessed the financial implications of the incident. U.S. aviation authorities have provided protocols for airlines to check planes with configurations similar to the 737 MAX 9 aircraft involved in the incident. Boeing, emphasizing commitment to safety, stated it would assist in addressing inspection findings. Analysts suggest the problem is more likely a quality control issue than a design problem, but Boeing has faced challenges with supply chain and quality control since the return of the 737 MAX to service. In December, Boeing urged airlines to conduct additional inspections for loose hardware on the rudder control system after a missing nut was discovered during routine maintenance.

Source – CGTN