Washington, D.C. – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is facing challenges in its investigation into the blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this year due to Boeing overwriting surveillance footage from the repair facility. The NTSB had been requesting the footage to understand what happened during the midflight scare when the door plug blew out on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January.
NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy wrote a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee stating that Boeing has not been able to provide records documenting the work done on the door plug of the aircraft. This lack of information is hindering the investigation, as the NTSB still does not know which Boeing employees worked on the failed door plug.
During a hearing in front of the committee, Homendy disclosed that Boeing had not handed over necessary documents for the investigation, including the names of 25 people who worked on the door plug. Despite requests for updates, the door crew manager was unable to provide information due to medical issues, further complicating the investigation.
Boeing responded by stating that they are supporting the NTSB’s investigation and have provided relevant information to the best of their ability. However, the lack of records documenting the work performed on the door plug may pose challenges moving forward.
The incident occurred when the door plug of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 fell off shortly after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing. The NTSB’s preliminary report revealed that four bolts meant to secure the door plug were missing before it blew off the aircraft.
In an effort to gather more information on the incident, the NTSB announced they would hold a two-day investigative hearing on the door plug incident in August. This hearing aims to determine the facts, circumstances, and probable cause of the incident, as well as make safety recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The agency previously held similar investigative hearings on transportation accidents, such as the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. As the investigation into the Alaska Airlines door plug incident continues, the NTSB remains focused on ensuring transportation safety and addressing any lapses in protocol that may have contributed to the incident.