On social media, many viewers were stunned as a plane wing covered in duct tape went viral, sparking debate among viewers.
A viral photo of duct tape on a plane wing has raised safety concerns. However, experts say the tape serves a different purpose.
Viral image sparks concern about plane safety
A photo of a plane wing covered in duct tape has gone viral. Australian opera singer David Wakeham shared the image on Twitter.
His post included the caption: “When choosing your favourite airline, choose wisely. Profits before safety.”
This image was shared on X in 2022; however, it resurfaced after multiple airplane accidents.
Many users speculated that the tape was used for temporary repairs. Others joked about the safety of flying on a plane in such condition.
Social media reaction
The image of a plane wing covered in duct tape left viewers stunned and concerned about airplane safety.
One person said: That’s Factree right there………..
A second wrote: Optics aren’t good!
While a third commented: Used this tape for many years on aircraft for quick repairs!!!!
Another added: Also to note that all that tape has flight hour inspections required that maintenance must perform to ensure the integrity is not compromised.
Someone else said: ‘Speed tape’. For covering rivets and gaps and the like for streamlining. Not for holding stuff together
Experts clarify the purpose of the tape
The tape seen in the image is not standard duct tape.
Aviation experts identified it as “speed tape,” a common material used in aircraft maintenance. It is typically applied to cover peeling paint, not to hold structural components together.
According to a fact-checking report from RMIT and ABC, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are prone to paint adhesion issues.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported in 2020 that UV exposure can cause paint peeling on these aircraft.
Airlines address global paint peeling problem
An Air New Zealand spokesperson confirmed that paint peeling is a widespread issue on Boeing 787-9 planes. The problem has been noted in airlines worldwide.
Boeing has reassured passengers that the peeling does not impact the plane’s structural integrity. “The peeling does not affect the safety of flight,” a Boeing representative told aviation publication Simple.
Additionally, the FAA report stated that the only potential risk from peeling paint is to airline maintenance staff.
If the paint is compromised, certain fall protection systems may not adhere properly.
Other aircraft manufacturers face similar issues
Airbus has also encountered paint peeling problems with its A350 aircraft.
Qatar Airways even took legal action over the issue. However, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) dismissed the complaint. The agency confirmed that the problem does not affect aircraft structure or safety.
Similarly, the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has assured passengers that temporary tape repairs pose no safety risk.
“Any repairs, including temporary tape repairs, must be made in accordance with approved maintenance instructions,” a CASA spokesperson stated.
Identifying the airline behind the viral image
Initial speculation suggested that the aircraft belonged to Qantas.
However, a Qantas spokesperson told news.com.au that they doubted it was one of their planes.
Experts have confirmed that paint peeling on Boeing 787 aircraft is common after four years in service. Additionally, Many airlines worldwide have reported similar cases.
Despite concerns, aviation authorities and manufacturers insist that the issue does not compromise flight safety.