Passengers aboard Alaska Airlines flight 1282 experienced a terrifying ordeal when a major scare occurred mid-flight. The incident involved a sudden decompression that created an emergency exit-sized gap in the side of the plane. The flight, which was en route from Portland to Ontario, California, was forced to return to Portland International Airport within 30 minutes.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the plane was at an altitude of 16,000 feet with 171 passengers and six crew members on board. Despite the frightening experience, all individuals on the plane survived. The sudden decompression caused objects, including a cellphone, a teddy bear, and a passenger’s shirt, to be sucked out of the plane. This event also triggered the deployment of oxygen masks from overhead compartments.
Passenger Sreysoar Un, who was traveling with her 12-year-old son, described the terrifying experience, stating, “We literally thought we were going to die.” The incident has since prompted an inquiry by federal air-safety investigators, raising concerns about Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, and Spirit AeroSystems, one of its main suppliers. The specific aircraft involved in the incident, the 737 Max 9, is now subject to inspection orders by U.S. regulators.
Following a safe landing, all passengers on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 were evacuated and checked for medical needs. The airline has committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and has offered refunds and $1,500 to each passenger for the inconveniences caused.
In response to the incident, United Airlines announced the grounding of its entire fleet of Boeing 737 Max 9s. This decision came after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to ground over 170 Boeing 737 Max 9s for inspections.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of air safety and the need for thorough inspections and investigations in the aviation industry. It also raises questions about the role of manufacturers and suppliers in ensuring the reliability and safety of aircraft.
Shares of Alaska Airlines were trading at $37.69 at the time of writing, and it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the airline’s reputation and financial performance in the coming days.
In conclusion, the emergency exit-sized gap incident on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 has left passengers shaken and raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft. The incident has prompted investigations and inspections, emphasizing the need for robust safety measures in the aviation industry.
