Alaska Airlines suspends flights of 737 Max 9 planes after a window blows out during flight

On Friday, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 had to make an emergency landing in Oregon after losing a section of its fuselage mid-air. The incident occurred 35 minutes into the flight to California when an outer section, including a window, fell off. Fortunately, the plane safely returned to Portland with all 177 passengers and crew unharmed.

As a precautionary measure, Alaska Airlines has decided to temporarily ground all 65 of its 737 Max 9 aircraft for inspections. CEO Ben Minicucci assured that each aircraft will only resume service after undergoing thorough maintenance and safety inspections.

The crew members on board were commended for their efforts during the emergency descent. Images of the damaged fuselage reveal the night sky visible through the gap, along with insulation material and debris.

Passengers also noticed a window seat leaning forward without its cushion, which was unoccupied at the time. Mr. Minicucci expressed his sympathy for those on the flight and expressed gratitude for the response of the pilots and flight attendants.

Based on a photograph shared on social media, it can be determined that the affected area of the plane was located at the rear third, behind the wing and engines.

This specific section of the fuselage is typically used as an additional emergency exit door by some operators of the aircraft type, although not by Alaska Airlines.

The US Federal Aviation Agency has confirmed that Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 safely returned after the crew reported a pressurization issue. Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, is aware of the incident and is actively gathering more information. They have also expressed their readiness to support the investigation with a technical team.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that they are currently investigating the incident. The Boeing 737 Max has faced extensive scrutiny due to previous safety issues and investigations.

Following two crashes with similar circumstances, the Max was grounded for a year-and-a-half starting in March 2019.

To ensure safety, each Max plane underwent significant modifications, although these changes are not visible from the outside and passengers would not notice any difference. Recently, Boeing announced that it would increase the pace of 737 Max deliveries after resolving a supply error that required lengthy inspections of new planes and inventory. According to Boeing data, approximately 1,300 737 Max aircraft have been delivered to customers. In a recent development, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has urged airlines to inspect Max models for possible loose bolts in the rudder control systems.

BBC