EASA SIB SAFO24001
Boeing 737-900ER Mid-Cabin Door Plug Inspection
Summary
The Safety Alert for Operators SAFO 24001 titled Boeing 737-900ER Mid-Cabin Door Plug Inspection informs operators about inspection recommendations for the Boeing 737-900ER fuselage plug assembly. It highlights the similarity between the 737-900ER and the 737-9 MAX mid-cabin door plug designs and addresses safety concerns following an incident involving a 737-9 MAX. The document applies to all operators under 14 CFR Parts 91, 91K, 121, 125, 129, and 135 operating the Boeing 737-900ER aircraft.
What Changed
SAFO 24001 introduces a recommendation for operators to perform visual inspections of the mid-cabin door plug assembly on Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, focusing on the four bolt/nut/pin locations securing the door to the airframe. This follows the FAA's issuance of Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2024-02-51 for the Boeing 737-9 MAX due to an in-flight door plug loss. The SAFO encourages operators to review and possibly enhance their existing maintenance inspections based on the Boeing 737-900ER Maintenance Planning Document.
Why It Matters
This SAFO is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety risk involving the mid-cabin door plug that could lead to in-flight loss of the door plug assembly. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must be aware of this issue to prevent possible safety incidents and ensure continued airworthiness. Timely inspections and reporting help mitigate risks and maintain regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Boeing 737-900ER aircraft should promptly conduct visual inspections of the mid-cabin door plug assembly, specifically checking the two upper guide track bolts and two lower arrestor bolts for proper restraint. They should refer to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual and the 737-900ER Fuselage Plug Assembly Maintenance Planning Document for detailed inspection procedures. Findings should be reported to the appropriate certificate management office, and inspections should be performed as soon as possible.