The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that the window panels of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 passenger plane operated by Alaska Airlines were blown off last month over the western state of Oregon, and that the bolts securing the panels were not properly installed. A report has been published stating that this was the cause.
On the 6th, the NTSB released an initial report summarizing the results of its investigation into last month's accident in which a window panel on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 passenger plane operated by Alaska Airlines was blown off over western Oregon.
The cause appears to be that the four bolts that secure the panel to prevent it from moving were not properly installed.
The aircraft involved in the accident was brought to Boeing's Washington state factory for repairs between August and September last year, but photos from that time show that the bolts were not attached when the panel was opened and closed. It turns out that it wasn't.
Commenting on the investigation results, Boeing CEO Calhoun said, ``Regardless of the final conclusion, Boeing is responsible for this incident.An accident like this should never happen on an airplane leaving our factory.'' "We are implementing a comprehensive plan to improve quality and improve stakeholder trust."