Missing Bolts Discovered in Boeing 737 Incident Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into a Boeing 737 incident involving Alaska Airlines flight 1282, which experienced rapid decompression due to the departure of a mid-exit door (MED) plug. The aircraft safely returned to Portland International Airport, with minor injuries reported among seven passengers and one flight attendant.

Preliminary findings indicate that the accident’s MED plug was missing essential bolts, leading to substantial damage and the plug’s separation during flight. The investigation, which includes a thorough review of the aircraft’s manufacturing records and maintenance logs, continues to determine the precise cause and circumstances leading to this failure.