Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Falls Apart at 16,000 Feet; Lands Safely with No Casualties
Updated: Jan 9
Update 01/8/2024: Two mobile phones from the flight were recovered by the NTSB, including an iPhone still powered on and in airplane mode. The cabin door plug was discovered in the backyard of a home in the Cedar Hills area near Oregon Route 217.
PORTLAND, OR — A regular flight turned into a nightmare for passengers aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on January 5, when part of the plane's fuselage suddenly detached, leading to an emergency landing. The aircraft, a newly in-service Boeing 737 MAX 9, was en route from Portland International Airport to Ontario, California, when the incident occurred just minutes after takeoff.
Approximately six minutes into the flight, while climbing to 16,000 feet, a chunk of the fuselage blew out, causing rapid depressurization. The blowout left a gaping hole in the side of the plane, in an area reserved for an optional extra door, which had been deactivated on this particular Alaska Airlines jet. Flight 1282 safely returned to Portland at 5:27 p.m., just 20 minutes after departure. The ordeal left passengers and crew in shock but, fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. Several passengers did, however, suffer minor injuries during the incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly ordered the temporary grounding of all U.S.-operated Boeing 737-9 airplanes with a mid-cabin door plug installed for immediate inspections, affecting about 171 airplanes worldwide. These inspections are expected to take around four to eight hours per aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it has launched a Go Team to investigate the event involving Flight 1282 and will release updates as they become available. In addition, Boeing has indicated its cooperation and readiness to support the investigation.
Following the incident, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci expressed deep regret for the passengers' experience and gratitude for the crew's response. The airline grounded all 65 Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft in its fleet for full maintenance and safety inspections. These inspections are part of the airline's ongoing commitment to safety, especially considering the MAX 9's history of scrutiny following two fatal crashes linked to cockpit software design.
Passengers aboard the flight described the incident as abrupt and terrifying. One passenger recounted the dramatic moment when the wall of the plane just broke off mid-flight, leading to the deployment of oxygen masks and an eerie whooshing sound. The flight attendants and pilots were praised for their professional handling of the situation, ensuring everyone's safety amid the chaos. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, commended the crew for their exemplary performance in keeping passengers safe.
The incident adds to Boeing's challenges as the company tries to recover from safety concerns and the pandemic's impact. The MAX series, particularly the MAX 9 model, has been under significant scrutiny. Last year, the FAA instructed pilots to limit the use of an anti-ice system on the Max in dry conditions due to overheating concerns. Additionally, Boeing has faced numerous production issues, including an advisory for airlines to inspect all 737 MAX airplanes for a possible loose bolt in the rudder control system.
Flight 1282's emergency landing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards in aviation. The response from federal authorities, Alaska Airlines, and Boeing underscores the industry's commitment to passenger safety and the need for ongoing vigilance in aircraft maintenance and design. As investigations continue, the aviation community eagerly awaits insights that could further enhance the safety of air travel.
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