A key Boeing mechanic who worked on 737 Max doors was on vacation on 2 critical days before the Alaska Airlines blowout

Tue, 08/27/2024 - 07:30

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators examine the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX, which was jettisoned and forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing, at a property where it was recovered in Portland, Oregon, U.S. — NTSB investigators with the 737 door plug that was found in a yard.
NTSB via Reuters

One Boeing mechanic was usually the only one who worked on door plugs, he told NTSB investigators.
The 35-year veteran was on vacation during critical work on the Alaska Airlines 737 Max.
A trainee with limited experience filled in, according to NTSB transcripts.

A Boeing mechanic who was usually the only one to work on door plugs was on vacation on two days that later proved critical to the Alaska Airlines blowout.