SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – An aviation expert has raised concerns about the safety standards of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) after a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines flight. The Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft experienced a door malfunction at 16,000 feet, prompting the FAA to ground similar planes for inspection.
According to Dan Gryder, a YouTube aviation page owner, the blown door may have been the result of a lack of proper oversight by the FAA during the manufacturing process. As a certified Gold Seal flight instructor, Gryder expressed worries that similar oversights could lead to potential aviation disasters in the future.
The incident, which occurred on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, led to the emergency exit blowing out, causing the plane to depressurize. Despite the terrifying situation, the pilots were able to safely return the aircraft to Portland with no serious injuries reported among the 171 passengers and six crew members.
As a result of the incident, Alaska Airlines announced the cancellation of flights on the affected fleet, impacting up to 600 trips. The company expressed regret for the disruptions but emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety of their employees and guests.
The FAA and Boeing have been working on inspection procedures and safety measures in response to the incident, with ongoing efforts to address any potential safety issues that may arise. The airline and regulatory authorities are committed to implementing comprehensive safety measures before allowing the affected aircraft to return to service.
In the wake of this incident, it’s crucial for the aviation industry to prioritize safety and address any potential oversights in the manufacturing and inspection processes. This is a pivotal moment for reassessing and enhancing safety measures within the industry to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.