It is strange that this one simple the question has not been answered. From when the relevant fuselage section leaves Spirit until the aircraft makes its first revenue flight is the plug door ever opened?
If yes, we know the cause was not Spirit failing to properly install the bolts, nuts, or Cotter pins and we have a new clear suspect.
There also is the question of who covers the plug door with the trim panel. The answer is not necessarily damning. If there is evidence that the hardware was missing at the time, that represents an additional failure.
5 Likes