261 and Safety
Though not directly applicable to this specific, particular occurrence, nonetheless the facts - as they have emerged so far - do tend to suggest validity and importance to the question whether EU 261 and airline penalties for delays can compromise, and may in fact already be compromising, safety. That is, to the extent maintenance issues are not typically or textually considered to qualify as extraordinary circumstances such as to cancel the penalty obligation, this state of regulatory affairs tends to motivate, or create an incentive for, less rigor in maintenance practice. Not wanting to cause a delay on a flight, someone forgets (forgive the paltry pun) to turn the screws. Or the fasteners.