U.S. investigators will begin a two-day hearing on Tuesday to examine a near-catastrophic incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX plane.
The 737 MAX plane was operated by Alaska Airlines with the incident happening in January.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will oversee the hearing, which aims to determine the facts, circumstances, and probable cause of the accident.
Additionally, it will also make recommendations to improve transportation safety for Boeing.
READ ALSO: World Athletics reinstates Faith Kipyegon’s silver medal after successful appeal
The plane’s door opens while in the air
The incident involved an emergency landing shortly after takeoff when a panel blew out, exposing passengers to open air at an altitude of about 16,000 feet.
Video footage from the flight showed oxygen masks deployed in front of the gaping space.
The Boeing plane returned to Portland safely, though eight minor injuries were reported.
READ ALSO: The latest edition of CAF B course integrates teachers in football development
Preliminary findings from the NTSB, released on February 6, revealed that four bolts securing the panel were missing.
Documentation and photos collected by the agency indicated that Boeing employees had removed these bolts.
The bolts in question were removed during an inspection before the aircraft’s delivery in October for operations.
READ ALSO: Bangladesh prime minister resigns and flees country as protesters storm palace
Testimonies on Boeing plane failure
The hearing in Washington will include testimonies from approximately 15 witnesses.
Among these witnesses includes Elizabeth Lund, Boeing’s Senior Vice President for Quality.
Additionally, there will be officials from key supplier Spirit AeroSystems, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the machinists union.
Notably, in a twist of events, Alaska Airlines is not included in the witness list.
READ ALSO: Former police boss sentenced to 19 years in jail after pleading guilty to drugs trafficking
Boeing in trouble
Boeing’s Senior Quality VP Elizabeth Lund previously faced criticism from the NTSB for providing a detailed summary of the incident to journalists.
This hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny of Boeing by regulators following the incident and recent congressional testimony from whistleblowers.
READ ALSO: You will use only KSh400 to travel from Nairobi to Mtito Andei using your electric car – Kenya Power
The allegations on the table are that the company punishes employees who raise safety concerns and attempt to cover up issues.
The NTSB’s hearing is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of Boeing aircraft following multiple high-profile incidents and concerns about the company’s safety practices.
READ ALSO: Sakaja makes major Cabinet reshuffle
