Originally Posted by
WHBM
But although the sheet metal items may be built by a subcontractor, they don't also install the cabin linings, do they ? These are commonly customer-specific anyway. These would have been fitted across where the bolt positions we now see in the photographs are, as part of the interior fitout. This picture seems to show the interion Boeing receive
As aeromech notes,
something was holding that door in place prior to the failure. The ability to detect that it wasn't properly installed is a direct function of what
was holding it in place. If, as aeromech suspects, it's something like 'short bolts', then it would be next to impossible to detect without a detailed inspection. OTOH, if bolts were completely missing, and it was being held in place by something like sealant - then yes, I'd expect a competent mechanic to notice the defect prior to installing the interior panels. Problem is we don't know - condemnation of the Renton workforce is premature.
We'll only know the answer to that until the investigation is done (or, if another improperly installed is detected during the mandated inspections).