Into the Night
Verified User
Like most accidents of this type, multiple factors came together to cause the accident to happen.
* Boeing mechanics improperly installed the door plug during a maintenance interval, failing to safe tying bolts.
* Over time, the nuts on those bolts backed out, and then the bolt fell out.
* These bolts are covered by cabin upholstery, hiding the problem.
* The leaking door caused the pressurization system to emit a warning, and the pilots failed to notify the mechanics of the problem.
* Mechanics DID find the issue by reviewing the flight logs (which they do from time to time), but assume the minor leak was something to do with the depressurization valves failing to cycle properly. They found nothing wrong the valves figured it was something minor with the pressurization plumbing that would be caught on the next annual inspection.
Fortunately, no loss of life occurred (though it scared a lot of people!). The aircraft was still climbing to altitude and everyone was wearing their seat belts. The aircraft returned to land without further incident.
I will point out that some airlines do not maintain their aircraft very well. Alaska Air had problems for awhile, such as using incorrect grease on parts and failing to note worn parts. They started contracting with an outside mechanic service company and thereby improved their maintenance.
Current poor maintenance can be found at JetBlue, United Air, US Air, and American Air. It was these airlines that failed to maintain the gear and tires in the recent news events.
