Boeing Plane Missing External Panel Under Investigation
Background
Investigators are currently looking into a recent incident where a Boeing plane was found to be missing an external panel upon landing at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in Oregon. The missing panel was discovered during a post-landing airline inspection. The company has been under heightened scrutiny due to previous incidents involving its aircraft, raising concerns among both travelers and regulators.
Details of the Incident
Flight 433, operated by United Airlines, was carrying 139 passengers and six crew members. Upon parking at the gate in Oregon, it was observed that the Boeing 737-800 was missing an external panel. The exact time and mechanism of how the panel was lost are yet to be determined. United Airlines reported no signs of damage during the flight, and no emergencies were declared throughout the journey.
FAA Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane landed safely and the missing panel was discovered during the post-landing inspection. They have declared that they will be conducting an investigation to establish the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Airport Inspection and Resumption of Operations
Airport Director Amber Judd stated that no debris was found on the airfield after the plane’s landing and a routine inspection revealed the missing panel. Operations at the airport were briefly paused for a runway safety check but resumed shortly after.
United Airlines and Boeing’s Response
United Airlines issued a statement, assuring that a thorough examination and necessary repairs will be carried out before the plane returns to service. The airline also announced an independent investigation to understand the cause of the damage. Boeing, on the other hand, redirected all inquiries regarding the flight to United Airlines.
Boeing’s Troubles and Ongoing Scrutiny
This incident adds to the series of troubles faced by Boeing in recent times. It follows a previous incident involving the same model, the Boeing 737 Max, where a door-plug fell off during an Alaska Airlines flight, leading to a midair emergency landing. Boeing faced immense scrutiny, investigation, and criticism after two catastrophic crashes of the 737 Max that claimed the lives of 346 people.
Regulatory Audits and Quality Control Improvements
The FAA conducted an audit, highlighting the need for Boeing’s improvements in various areas concerning its manufacturing processes. Boeing was given 90 days to create a plan to rectify any quality control issues. In response, Boeing assured a commitment to meet the challenges and make the necessary improvements.
Recent Boeing Safety Alerts
In recent days, Boeing notified airlines about potential loose switches on the pilot seats of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets. This comes after an incident where one of the planes unexpectedly went into a dive, causing injuries to 50 passengers. Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner jets are mainly used for long-distance international routes.
Ian Duncan and Lori Aratani contributed to this report.
