Key bolts missing from Alaska Airlines plane

A door that blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet shortly after take-off may not have been properly secured, according to accident investigators


BOEING 737 MAX 9

Jan 5: Alaska Airlines flight 1282, carrying 171 passengers and six crew, loses door panel in mid-air blowout


MID-EXIT DOOR PLUG
Panel seals door opening that is not used by most airlines

Made by Spirit AeroSystems 
Size: 0.66m by 1.17m 
Weight: 27kg


Door frame: Plug secured to frame with bolts, stop pads and straps

Stop pads and fittings
Six pairs on each side of frame and door plug

Bolts: Investigators say evidence from fuselage and recovered door indicates that four bolts “were missing”. This would allow panel to slide upward and detach from stop pads

Door plug assembly

Guide roller and track
Strap assembly
Window
Lower hinge assembly
Bonding jumper


Sources: Bloomberg, National Transportation Safety Board
© GRAPHIC NEWS