An Alaska Airlines flight turned into a nightmare when part of the plane exploded mid-flight, reportedly inhaling passengers’ belongings and forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Portland.
The Ontario, California-bound plane took off from Portland International Airport at 4:52pm on Friday but returned just 35 minutes later following the horrific ordeal, according to data from flight tracking website Flight Aware.
Shortly after takeoff, the flight, which was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members, “experienced an incident,” American Airlines said in a statement, without elaborating.
Passengers described the chaos as cellphones and belongings belonging to the public were sucked out of the gaping hole in the plane.
A passenger told KPTV that a child had to be held in his seat by his mother.
The hole in the side of the plane was seen after the Alaskan Airlines flight returned to Portland on Friday night. FOX 12 An exterior view of the plane and the missing part that lost its panels during a flight on January 5, 2024. KPTV FOX 12/YouTube
The same child who sat closest to the damaged part of the plane lost his shirt, and his skin was reddened by the wind.
Pictures obtained by KTPV show a large chunk missing from the fuselage.
Immediately after the piece exploded, oxygen masks were deployed and used by passengers as they waited for the plane to land, several on board who declined to give their names told the outlet.
Footage of the flight’s pilot captured the moments after parts of the plane were blown off, causing pressure in the cabin.
Immediately after the debris exploded, oxygen masks were deployed and used by passengers as they waited for the plane to land. KPTV FOX 12/YouTube
“Portland approach, Alaska emergency 1282! The plane is now leveling 12,000 in a left turn towards three four zeros,” said an Alaska Airlines pilot, according to the outlet.
“We are in an emergency, we are stressed, we have to go back, we have 177 passengers. Fuel is eighteen eight,” the pilot called air traffic control after being given a clearance to a lower altitude.
Firefighters responded to the plane after it landed and treated minor injuries.
Alaskan Airlines Flight 1282 made an emergency landing in Portland after a window apparently exploded in mid-air. DaveAlan
One person was taken from the scene for further medical evaluation, the Port of Portland told KPTV.
The plane safely made an emergency landing at Portland Airport, American Airlines and airport officials confirmed.
The recently built Boeing 737-9 Max earned its certificate of airworthiness on Oct. 25, 2023, according to FAA registration records.
Alaska Airlines grounded its entire Boeing 737-9 fleet late Friday.
“Following tonight’s events on Flight 1282, we have decided to take precautionary measures by temporarily grounding our fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft,” Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said in a statement obtained by The Post. “Each aircraft will be returned to service only after completion of full maintenance and safety checks.”
“We are working with Boeing and regulators to understand what happened tonight, and will share updates as more information becomes available.”
Alaska Airlines said it is investigating and will release more information when it becomes available.
“My heart goes out to those on this flight – I am so sorry for what you are going through. I am very grateful for the response of our pilots and flight attendants,” added Minicucci.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
