Alaska Airlines has grounded its entire fleet of Boeing 737-9 Max planes following a harrowing incident during Flight 1282. The emergency unfolded during a journey from Portland to Ontario, California, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Oregon.
Passengers recounted the terrifying moment when a panel and window blew off mid-flight, causing an abrupt deployment of oxygen masks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the crew reported a pressurization issue, prompting the emergency landing at Portland International Airport around 5 p.m. PT.
A social media video captured the alarming scene, revealing a missing section of the fuselage, leaving passengers exposed to the outside air. Fortunately, firefighters on the scene reported only minor injuries, with no serious casualties.
New fear unlocked, window seat ruined forever. aisle seat at premium markup it is then Alaska Airlines. #planecrash #alaska #flooding #EpsteinIsland pic.twitter.com/teOykRg4A4
— Nabeel shah (@oye_nabeel) January 6, 2024
Don't Miss
Alaska Airlines, in collaboration with Boeing, is launching a thorough investigation into the incident that involved a Boeing 737-9 Max certified on October 25, 2023. CEO Ben Minicucci expressed condolences to affected passengers and assured a cooperative effort in understanding the cause.
In response to the incident, the airline has taken a bold step, grounding its entire fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft. The decision is part of a comprehensive plan to conduct full maintenance and safety inspections on each plane before returning them to service.
As the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board launch investigations into the incident, Boeing has acknowledged the situation, stating that it is actively gathering additional information.
This development comes on the heels of Boeing’s recent request for airlines to inspect all 737 Max jets for potential issues, unrelated to the current incident. Analysts, including CNN’s Mary Schiavo, underscore the importance of a rigorous FAA investigation into Boeing’s manufacturing quality control, considering the company’s troubled history, including the grounding of the 737-8 Max and its substantial financial repercussions.
