Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines took decisive action, suspending the operation of its entire fleet of Boeing 737-9 aircraft. This decision swiftly followed an alarming incident where a window and a portion of the fuselage ruptured midair, compelling an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon. Remarkably, there were no severe injuries reported.
The event unfolded shortly after the aircraft’s departure, resulting in a significant breach that led to the cabin’s depressurization. Flight data depicted the plane ascending to 16,000 feet (4,876 meters) before executing a return to Portland International Airport. The successful landing took place with 174 passengers and six crew members aboard.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci stated, “In light of the incident on Flight 1282 tonight, we are implementing a precautionary measure, opting to temporarily halt the operation of our 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft fleet.” Expressing empathy, he added, “My heart goes out to those who were on this flight – I am so sorry for what you experienced.”
Each aircraft is slated for reintegration into service post thorough maintenance and safety inspections, with the airline anticipating completion within days.
Minicucci stressed, “Collaborating with Boeing and regulators, we are actively seeking insights into the events of tonight. Updates will be shared as additional information becomes accessible.”
Immediate details regarding injuries were not provided, but as per the Port of Portland, the fire department responded, treating minor injuries at the scene. One individual received additional treatment but sustained non-serious injuries.
The aircraft deviated from its course approximately six minutes post takeoff at 5:07 p.m., landing at 5:26 p.m., according to FlightAware’s flight tracking data. The pilot, communicating with Portland air traffic controllers, declared an emergency, citing depressurization and the need to return to the airport, as captured in a recording from LiveATC.net.
A passenger shared a photo with KATU-TV, revealing the breach in the airplane’s side next to passenger seats. Video footage exhibited passengers wearing oxygen masks, with applause greeting the plane upon landing.
Evan Smith, a passenger, recounted the harrowing moment, stating, “You heard a big loud bang to the left rear. A swift whoosh echoed, triggering instantaneous deployment of oxygen masks, with passengers efficiently securing them in response.
Smith detailed a more distressing experience for a boy and his mother, seated where the window blew out. The boy’s shirt was suctioned out of the plane by the force.
Both the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have committed to investigating the incident.
Remarkably, the involved plane, having rolled off the assembly line merely two months ago, received certification from the FAA. FlightRadar24 reported 145 flights since its commercial debut on Nov. 11, making the Portland flight its third of the day.
Boeing, informed of the incident, pledges full cooperation and support for the investigation.
The Max, Boeing’s latest iteration of the 737, a twin-engine, single-aisle plane predominantly used for U.S. domestic flights, entered service in May 2017.
This event adds another chapter to the Max’s turbulent history, with two Max 8 jets involved in fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, leading to a global grounding for nearly two years. The resumption of Max 8 and Max 9 flights followed modifications to an automated flight control system implicated in the accidents.
In the past year, the FAA directed pilots to restrict the use of an anti-ice system on the Max in dry conditions due to concerns about potential overheating and detachment of inlets around the engines.
Max deliveries faced disruptions for intermittent manufacturing defects. In December, airlines were instructed to inspect the planes for a possible loose bolt in the rudder-control system.
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