Boeing Plans Design Changes After 737 MAX Incident

Boeing executives faced scrutiny during a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hearing regarding a January incident where a door plug blew out mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, raising concerns about the company's safety protocols. The NTSB revealed that four bolts meant to secure the door plug were not replaced after a repair, a fact that Boeing failed to document. In response, Boeing announced plans to implement critical design changes within the year to prevent future incidents, including a mechanism to prevent the door from closing if there are any issues. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized the investigation's focus is not on public relations but on uncovering the truth behind the event, which was traumatic for passengers and crew. This ongoing investigation could take over a year to determine the probable cause. The incident has further damaged Boeing's reputation, prompting increased scrutiny from regulators and stakeholders.