United Airlines recently detected a missing external panel on one of its planes, a Boeing 737-800, after it landed in Oregon. The plane, carrying 139 passengers and six crew members, landed safely despite the missing panel.
Following the incident, United Airlines announced that they will conduct a thorough examination of the aircraft and repair any necessary damage before putting it back into service. Additionally, the airline will launch an investigation to determine how the damage occurred.
This incident comes amidst a series of recent problems faced by Boeing, including an incident in January where a panel on a Boeing 737 MAX plane blew out mid-flight. The Federal Aviation Administration subsequently grounded 170 of the same type of aircraft following the January incident. The Department of Justice has also launched a criminal inquiry into Boeing.
In March, a United Airlines Boeing 737 plane made an emergency landing in Texas after its engine exploded mid-air. Similarly, a LATAM Airlines flight from Australia to New Zealand experienced a “technical event” in March, causing a sudden drop that resulted in injuries for some passengers.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has urged Boeing to cooperate in the ongoing probes into the company and to improve their responsiveness, culture, and quality issues. The aviation industry continues to face challenges, and the safety and maintenance of aircraft remain a top priority for both airlines and regulatory authorities.