:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/MRSIXWRCE3PYLBJSKIPZFH4QM4.jpg "An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane suffered a crack in its windshield while landing in Portland")
In less than two months, two incidents have shaken confidence in Boeing aircraft, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of these planes. The most recent event involved an Alaska Airlines flight landing at Portland International Airport, Oregon, after a crack was discovered in the cabin’s internal windshield during descent.
Despite the alarming discovery, the flight, which had 159 passengers and 6 crew members onboard, landed safely without any injuries reported. Alaska Airlines confirmed that the crack occurred during landing and that the crew followed protocols to ensure a smooth landing.
This incident comes on the heels of a series of issues plaguing Boeing aircraft, including a recent audit by the Federal Aviation Administration revealing significant deficiencies in production and quality control for the 737 MAX model. The company has been under scrutiny for its production processes, with revelations of non-compliance violations and unusual compliance verification methods by mechanics at its suppliers.
Just days before the Alaska Airlines incident, a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 also faced a similar problem when it lost an external panel during flight, prompting a thorough examination and necessary repairs before it can return to service. Despite the alarming nature of these incidents, both flights landed safely, underscoring the importance of thorough inspections and corrective actions to ensure aviation safety.
These recent incidents highlight the challenges facing the airline industry and the urgency for Boeing to address these issues and restore public confidence in its aircraft models. The safety and reliability of these planes are paramount, and it is crucial for the company to prioritize these aspects to mitigate future risks and maintain trust among passengers and aviation authorities.