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A United Airlines passenger plane lost a fuselage cover during flight on Friday. The damage to the Boeing 737-800 was only discovered on the ground after it landed without incident in the city of Medford, Oregon, United said.
The local newspaper “Rogue Valley Times” had previously published an eyewitness photo showing exposed mechanisms. According to United, the plane took off from San Francisco with 139 passengers and six crew members.
Machine is 25 years old
Judging from the aircraft number from another eyewitness photo, the aircraft was put into service in 1998. According to initial investigations, the American accident investigation authority NTSB believes that four mounting bolts were missing from the torn fuselage fragment.
However, on a 25-year-old aircraft like the United aircraft, maintenance or material fatigue will likely play a greater role than production. United announced an investigation into how the incident occurred.
Safety deficiencies at the aircraft manufacturer
Boeing is currently in the spotlight after a virtually new 737-9 Max aircraft lost part of its fuselage while climbing after takeoff in early January.
The second largest aircraft manufacturer has had repeated bad luck and incidents in the past. A former manager warned about security shortcomings several years ago. He was found dead in March, shortly before he was due to testify. (SDA/obf)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
