Like in ships, the more hull penetrations the more weak points you create.
With a plug door as you surmise, it creates yet another emergency exit.
But then it’s another hull penetration that needs to be paid attention to during maintenance cycles.
More complexity, longer maintenance cycle to compensate, the more incentive to cut corners on inspecting certain things.
Like plug doors that don’t normally open.
Because why would anything be loose or damaged when it doesn’t get opened?
Not saying this is what happened, but it’s a possibility or possible contributing factor.
Depends on the maintenance logs and inspection reports.
This aircraft was brand new. I haven’t heard how many flights it had, but it’s been reported it was new.
My understanding of the issue is they plug the emergency door to permit cramming seat rows closer together on that side. So maybe they got 3 extra seats in. So... profits.
Whenever I hear of vendors doing things to reduce costs I always figure the cost of not doing those things is - higher prices.
Everyone got out safe and a chill-thrill for any kids on board. But American women aren’t having kids anymore. They import them.
What happened to the 2 passengers sitting in the seats next to the door plug.... 😆😜
More leg room they say. You know they sold those seats.
Maybe 2 orphans were there and the airlines got lucky. Shh...