On Friday evening, Alaska Airlines took a precautionary measure by grounding all 65 of its Boeing 737-9 aircraft following a mid-air incident that necessitated an emergency landing in Portland.
The incident occurred shortly after takeoff when a window and part of the fuselage on Flight 1282 blew out, leading to a depressurized cabin. The pilot declared an emergency, safely returning to Portland International Airport at 5:26 p.m., with all 174 passengers and six crew members unharmed.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci stated, "Following tonight's event on Flight 1282, we have decided to take the precautionary step of temporarily grounding our fleet of Boeing 737-9 aircraft." The airline plans to conduct comprehensive maintenance and safety inspections on each plane before allowing them to return to service, a process expected to be completed "within days." The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the incident and any potential injuries.
Flight data reveals that the plane reached 16,000 feet before returning to Portland six minutes after takeoff. Passengers shared images and videos on social media, showcasing the fuselage hole and the use of oxygen masks.
The Boeing 737-9 MAX involved in the incident was newly certified two months ago, with 145 commercial flights since November 11th. Boeing, acknowledging the incident, pledged its support for the investigation.
This incident raises ongoing concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737-9 MAX, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and prompt corrective actions. Despite the worldwide grounding of the Max family in 2019 and subsequent modifications, worries persist regarding anti-ice systems and manufacturing flaws.