Missing Footage Hampers Probe into Boeing and Alaska Airlines Incident

In the world of aviation, safety is paramount. Yet, a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 jet has raised serious concerns about the integrity of aircraft maintenance and the transparency of the investigative process. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has hit a significant roadblock in its investigation into a midair blowout that occurred in early January, as crucial repair footage has mysteriously gone missing.

“Copa Airlines, HP-9901CMP, Boeing 737-9 MAX” by airbus777 from Washington, DC, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The missing footage in question would have shown the repair work being made on a door plug of the jet. This is a critical piece of evidence, as the NTSB is currently unable to determine who performed the work on the accident aircraft. According to a letter from the NTSB to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the door crew manager who would have overseen the repairs in Renton, Washington, has been unavailable for an interview due to medical leave. This has only compounded the challenges faced by federal inspectors.

The NTSB’s pursuit of documents from Boeing began on January 9, 2024, just days after the incident. However, the investigation has been met with obstacles. The door crew manager’s attorney informed the NTSB that due to medical issues, his client could not provide a statement or interview. This has left a gaping hole in the investigation, as the NTSB seeks to understand Boeing’s safety and quality assurance methods.

The situation took a more concerning turn with the revelation that security footage, which could have identified the workers involved in the repair, was overwritten. This loss of evidence has been described as complicating the investigation into the near-disaster by NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy. The Boeing 737 MAX 9 had to make an emergency landing on January 5, the same day it was scheduled for maintenance, after a portion of the fuselage was ripped off mid-flight. The subsequent discovery that there had been no bolts on the door plug that flew off has only intensified scrutiny.

In the wake of these developments, a criminal probe has been launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to examine the incident. Crew members and passengers have been contacted by investigators to piece together the events of the January 5 flight, which was forced to land in Portland, Oregon. Alaska Airlines has stated that they are fully cooperating with the investigation and do not believe they are a target.

Boeing’s response to the NTSB’s requests for information has been less than forthcoming. The company claims to have been cooperative and transparent throughout the investigation, citing their standard practice of maintaining video recordings on a rolling 30-day basis as the reason for the overwritten footage. They have pledged to continue supporting the investigation.

The NTSB’s efforts to obtain information have been met with resistance, not only from the door crew manager but also from Boeing’s CEO David Calhoun, who has stated that there are no records of the work being performed. This has raised concerns from Homendy, who fears that the focus on individual workers may negatively impact the investigation and discourage Boeing employees from coming forward with relevant information. The incident has cast a spotlight on Boeing’s manufacturing processes, which have been under scrutiny following several high-profile safety incidents. The revelations about the missing footage and the lack of documentation for the repair work have only added to the concerns about the company’s practices.

The aviation community and the public await answers. The safety of passengers and the credibility of the aircraft manufacturing industry hinge on the thoroughness and transparency of such probes. The missing footage may have complicated the investigation, but the pursuit of truth and accountability must continue unabated.