The Wall Street Journal reports, with cited sources, that the door that detached from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in early January likely was not secured with bolts. Industry observers and Boeing partners suggest that bolts may have been left out when the escape hatch was reattached to the fuselage, a mistake that could have compromised the hatch’s securement. The incident prompted immediate scrutiny of the assembly and inspection processes involved in this aircraft family. Wall Street Journal.
In the hours following January 5, when the door incident caused a cabin depressurization and forced an emergency landing, aviation authorities ordered emergency inspections. The Federal Aviation Administration conducted a blanket check that affected a large subset of the fleet, and the agency directed some operators to review airframes and fittings to confirm proper installation of critical components. There were 171 passengers and six crew members aboard at the time, and the situation ended without injuries. Aviation Administration notifications, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
As a precautionary measure, Alaska Airlines initiated a temporary suspension of certain flight operations affecting the 737 MAX 9s in its fleet while reviews continued. The action allowed the airline to focus on thorough checks and ensure standard maintenance procedures were followed across all applicable aircraft. The goal was to prevent any recurrence while investigators determine root causes. Wall Street Journal and FAA updates.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a metallurgical analysis of the removed door to determine whether the bolts remained in place or were missing at the time of the incident. Lab results are expected to provide concrete details about fastener integrity and the condition of the attachment hardware. The investigation will consider manufacturing records, maintenance logs, and maintenance crew procedures to establish a complete timeline of events. Wall Street Journal and NTSB statements.
Earlier reporting had noted a broader discussion about the impact of bird strikes on Russian aircraft operations. The current focus remains on the mechanical and procedural factors tied to this specific incident, with ongoing assessments from federal investigators and the airline industry to prevent similar failures in the future. Wall Street Journal and aviation safety briefings.