During a flight from Portland to Ontario, California, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 encountered a midair emergency when one of its side panels blew out. The incident occurred at an altitude of 16,000 feet, prompting the aircraft to initiate an emergency descent back to Portland, Oregon.
Photographs & Video depict a substantial hole in the side of the plane, revealing the night sky, along with loose insulation material and hanging oxygen masks. Despite the alarming situation, the California-bound plane, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, landed safely 35 minutes after take-off, as reported by the airline.
Witnesses observed items, including mobile phones, being ejected from the aircraft during the incident. In response, Alaska Airlines took the precautionary measure of temporarily grounding its fleet of 65 Boeing Max-9 aircraft. CEO Ben Minicucci emphasized that each aircraft would only return to service after undergoing thorough maintenance and safety inspections.
Boeing, acknowledging the incident, stated that it is actively working to gather more information. Flight safety expert Prof Graham Braithwaite from Cranfield University explained the rapid depressurization that occurred during the incident, highlighting the potential mist in the cabin and the loud noise experienced by passengers.
Prof Braithwaite noted that the severity of the incident would have been greater at cruising altitude. However, given the aircraft’s descent to 16,000 feet, the pressure difference was not as significant. Oxygen masks, crucial at high altitudes to prevent hypoxia, played a vital role in ensuring passenger safety.
The Boeing 737 Max, the latest iteration of Boeing’s 737 series, a twin-engine, single-aisle aircraft widely used on US domestic flights, entered service in May 2017. The model has undergone intense scrutiny due to previous safety issues and investigations, particularly after two Max 8 planes crashed in 2018 and 2019, resulting in 346 fatalities and a subsequent global grounding.
Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration urged airlines to inspect Max models for potential loose bolts in rudder control systems. The specific Boeing 737 Max 9 involved in this incident received certification just two months prior, according to online Federal Aviation Administration records. Boeing data indicates that approximately 1,300 737 Max aircraft have been delivered to customers since its introduction.