NTSB sets out more details on Boeing 737 MAX 9 plug door blowout hearing

A National Transport Safety board (NTSB) hearing will commence on August 6 and 7, 2024, to gather evidence to “determine the facts, circumstances, and probable cause” that caused an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 to suffer a door plug blowout shortly after takeoff.  

It is a story that has gripped the aviation industry and acted as the catalyst for one of Boeing’s most challenging years in its long history.  

On July 17, 2024, the NTSB set out some of the finer details about the hearing which will focus on the how and why a door plug separated from the US passenger jet on January 5, 2024.  

Led by NTSB head Jeniffer Homendy the hearing will also feature board members Michael Graham, Thomas Chapman, Alvin Brown and Todd Inman.  

Also present will be investigative staff, scheduled witnesses and parties to the hearing.  

Held at the NTSB Boardroom and Conference Center in Washington DC, day one on August 6, 2024, will start at 09:00 local time and finish at 19:15, while on August 7, 2024, the hearing will open at 09:00 and conclude at 18:00.  

The hearing will be available to the public to watch on a livestream, although it is also possible to attend in person.  

“After the hearing, the NTSB will use the information gathered to complete the investigation, determine probable cause, and make recommendations to improve transportation safety. The full investigation will take approximately one year to 18 months from the date of the accident to complete,” the NTSB said.  

The hearing agenda will be released in the coming weeks. 

In June 2024, the NTSB slammed Boeing after discovering officials disclosed non-public information regarding the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 plug door investigation to members of the media.   

According to a statement by the NTSB on June 27, 2024, Boeing “blatantly violated” investigative regulations and an agreement signed by the planemaker not to share information privy to the probe or speculate about causes of the blowout.  

Following the disclosure, the NTSB announced several restrictions and sanctions against Boeing.    

This included the NTSB announcing in a statement that it would subpoena Boeing to appear at the investigative hearing and prevent the planemaker from asking questions of other participants. 

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AircraftbyIan Molyneaux2024-07-16

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