An Alaska Airlines flight from Oregon to Southern California was forced to make an emergency landing in Portland International Airport after the door of the plane appeared to have fallen off in mid-air, prompting a pressurization issue. The flight landed safely and no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew. Alaska Airlines has temporarily grounded its 65 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft while it conducts maintenance and safety inspections. The FAA, Alaska Airlines, and Boeing are all investigating the cause of the incident.
The harrowing incident occurred about 20 minutes after departing from Portland International Airport when a loud noise was heard and the air masks deployed; a passenger later discovered a large hole next to a window with the sound of rushing air and wind. According to reports, everyone on board stayed calm despite the scare. A passenger on board reported the incident on social media with a photo of the panel missing from the side of the passenger jet. Despite the jarring experience, the flight was thankfully able to return back to Portland without further complications. It is unclear how or when the panel became separated from the aircraft, but the incident has prompted an investigation by multiple authorities.
Alaska Airlines is working closely with investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the incident. An investigation has been launched by the NTSB in Portland to assess how the alarming mishap occurred. Additionally, Boeing has expressed that it is working with the airline to gather more information and is eager to support any inquiries into the matter. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been monitoring the incident closely and is in contact with FAA for further discussions. The aircraft involved in the unusual event was identified as a Boeing 737 MAX 9, and Alaska has vowed to prioritize the safety of its guests by conducting thorough safety measures following the incident.
