A cracked cockpit window forces All Nippon Airways flight back, amplifying Boeing's woes
A spokesperson for the Japanese airline clarified that the crack had no impact on flight control or pressure.
"The crack had no impact on flight control or pressure," the spokesperson added.
Thankfully, none of the 59 passengers or the 6 crew members reported any injuries.
Boeing under scrutiny
This isn't the first time a problem has occurred with a Boeing aircraft. A 737 MAX 9, operating for Alaska Airlines, had to make an emergency landing on January 5 due to a cabin panel damaged during the flight. Six crew members were seriously injured after an explosion occurred in the plane just six minutes post-take-off towards Ontario.
The panel appeared undamaged and was transported to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) laboratory in Washington for further examination.
Aircraft grounded indefinitely
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, which collectively have 171 Boeing aircraft in their fleets, have canceled 100-150 flights daily until January 16. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to audit the Boeing 737 Max 9 production line and its parts suppliers. They will also evaluate the "safety risk associated with delegated authorities and quality oversight".
Sympathetically, Alaska Airlines wrote to all passengers of the doomed flight, offering them compensation of $1500 and a full refund of the ticket cost.
According to the "Seattle Times", a lawsuit against Boeing is already in the works.
