United Airlines Flight Lands Safely Despite Missing External Panel

A United Airlines flight landed safely in Oregon despite a missing external panel on its Boeing 737-800 plane, prompting the airline to conduct a thorough examination and repair before returning it to service. This incident adds to a series of recent problems for Boeing, including a criminal inquiry into a panel blowout on a 737 MAX plane, an emergency landing due to an engine explosion, and a mid-air drop on a LATAM Airlines flight. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has called for Boeing to undergo a significant transformation in responsiveness, culture, and quality issues amidst mounting scrutiny.