Believe me, I know all about the inspections required. I used to be one of the people that worked on the required "D" checks on UPS 727 freighters. After seeing the news report on the hatch blowing off at 16KFT, I had FOUR questions instantly in my head:
1) Who did the final install of the hatch?
2) Who QA'd the hatch?
3) Who gave the OK to install the interior panels over the hatch?
4) WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DOCUMENTATION?
Later, I heard rumors that the plane had ongoing pressurization issues, leading to a few more questions:
1) Why wasn't that plane grounded until the reason for the alleged pressurization problem was found?
2) Is there anything in the logbook about said pressurization issues?
3) Since pressurization is a "safety of flight" issue, who made the call on keeping the plane in service?
I think I've been working in the aviation industry too long when these are the first thoughts in my head on this subject
Last edited by Hydro Junkie; 03-19-2024 at 10:21 AM.