In a rather disturbing occurrence involving a Boeing airplane, a domestic flight operated by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) was compelled to go back to its original departure airport after uncovering a fissure on the cockpit window of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft whilst in mid-flight. The flight, known as Flight 1182, was destined for Toyama airport but made an about-face to the Sapporo-New Chitose airport following the revelation of the crack on the outermost layer of the cockpit window. Fortunately, no harm or injuries were reported amongst the 59 passengers and six crew members who were aboard.
As mentioned by a spokesperson from ANA, the crack did not have any effect on the control or pressurization of the flight, which eases worries about the immediate safety of the aircraft. This incident occurred shortly after another alarming incident related to Boeing, where an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a blowout, leading to a notable breach in the fuselage.
Although the plane involved in this incident is a 737 model, it is important to note that it is not one of the troubled 737 MAX 9 aeroplanes that have been under intense scrutiny recently. The incident with Alaska Airlines led them to temporarily ground their entire fleet of 737-9 aircraft, and in response, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that all 737 MAX 9 planes will remain grounded until Boeing furnishes further data.
The FAA, whose main responsibility is to guarantee the well-being of people traveling in America, has initiated an investigation into the safety of the incident that occurred on Alaska Airlines. This event marks the first significant safety concern during a flight on a Boeing aircraft since the tragic crashes involving the 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019. In response to this news from the FAA, Boeing has expressed its willingness to work together and its dedication to ensuring safety. They have emphasized the measures they have taken throughout their production process.
This latest event compounds to Boeing’s problems, as its 737 Max aircraft had previously been grounded worldwide, most notably in the wake of the 2018 and 2019 tragedies in Indonesia and Ethiopia. A close watch will be kept on Boeing’s efforts to improve safety protocols and resolve issues as the aviation community underscores the criticality of passenger safety.