Originally published at: NTSB Cites Boeing, FAA Shortcomings In Alaska Door Plug Final Report - AVweb
The NTSB attributes the in-flight separation of the left mid-exit door plug to Boeing’s failure to follow proper manufacturing procedures.
Crew did well, as we all expect
Also, I have had a few incidents when I flew the F-14 essentially due to maintenance issues that were never completed correctly - I have ALWAYS suggested that were necessary in critical areas and even areas where things can ‘loosen’ over time - that a CLEAR unbreakable glass be alllowed to check items - and this is ONE case where a clear glass SHOULD be applied. Enough said. I am now an AME - so pilot / doctor and I have been in the aviation field for 40 years, and I have done numerous accident investigations in the miltary.
A hundred and forty pages that could have been answered with one short question. Who didn’t install the damn bolts and why wasn’t it inspected? Well two questions. It’s easy to point the finger at “Boeing”. That narrows it down to a few hundred thousand people in the supply chain but hides the personal actually involved. Who did the final work improperly, who didn’t inspect it and why? It sure wasn’t the CEO. This was not a training issue as thousands of these doors have been installed, removed and replaced over the years. Paper trails seldom if ever keep things like this from happening. Whoever forgot the bolts could just as easily forget the paperwork. Or even pencil whip it. Perhaps the NTSB and FAA should be more proactive instead of reactive. But of course, they are “short staffed”.