Defense News ,India :- India aviation regulator took swift action on Saturday, mandating a comprehensive inspection of all Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft owned by domestic operators. This decision came in response to a recent incident where a cabin panel blowout prompted an emergency landing of a new Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 Max heading to California.
The Alaska Airlines flight, carrying 171 passengers and six crew members, was en route to California when it had to make an emergency landing as it ascended from Portland, Oregon. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries, but the cause of the structural failure remains unknown.
Although none of India air operators currently include the Boeing 737-9 Max model in their fleets, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a directive for a "one-time inspection of the emergency exits immediately on all Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft currently operating as part of their fleet." This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of domestic flights.
In response to the incident, Alaska Airlines has grounded 65 similar planes. These aircraft will only return to service after undergoing thorough precautionary maintenance and safety inspections. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is actively investigating the emergency landing incident.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has also expressed its commitment to investigating the occurrence. In a statement, Boeing mentioned, "We are working to gather more information and are in contact with our airline customer." The aviation community remains vigilant as efforts are underway to determine the root cause of the cabin panel blowout and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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