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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) blamed Boeing, its supplier Spirit Aerosystems, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a mid-flight door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight in January 2024. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy criticized the FAA's oversight, highlighting missing bolts discovered after the plane's delivery. The crew's actions were praised as heroic, but the incident highlighted systemic failures. The NTSB issued safety recommendations, and a final report is forthcoming. Boeing's new CEO is working to address challenges, while the FAA faces scrutiny over its safety procedures.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.