NTSB and Boeing Struggle to Identify Culprit in 737 MAX 9 Incident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing have not determined who removed a door plug from an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9, causing a mid-air emergency. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted issues within Boeing's safety culture, emphasizing the need for major improvements and a rebuilding of trust within the workforce.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing have yet to determine who removed a door plug in a new 737 MAX 9 Alaska Airlines jet that experienced a mid-air emergency in January, according to the board's chair.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy spoke to reporters, emphasizing that Boeing must significantly improve its safety practices. 'The safety culture needs a lot of work (at Boeing),' Homendy stated. 'It is not there from the evidence itself, from what you see in the interviews. There's not a lot of trust, there's a lot of distrust within the workforce.'

(With inputs from agencies.)