Portland, Oregon – The door plug that was blown out of an Alaska Airlines flight last Friday has been discovered in a schoolteacher’s backyard, as investigations into the incident continue. The explosive depressurization accident forced the plane to make an emergency landing and resulted in extensive damage to the interior of the Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft.
According to Alaska Airlines records, the plane’s auto-pressurization fail light had illuminated on three previous flights in the weeks leading up to the incident. The reports of the illuminated light prompted maintenance tests and a reset, but a deeper investigation was not carried out before the accident occurred.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair, Jennifer Homendy, expressed concern over the issue and stated that it is unclear whether the light is directly linked to the accident. The possibility of the light malfunctioning independent of the plane’s auto-pressurization system cannot be ruled out.
Flight 1282 was en route to Ontario, California, from Portland when the door plug, typically deemed optional in safety regulations and paneled off, separated from the plane midair shortly after takeoff. The blowout caused a loud noise and allowed cold winds to rush into the aircraft.
Passenger accounts described the immediate consequences of the incident. The cockpit door flew open, hitting a lavatory door and jolting the first officer forward, temporarily causing her to lose her headset. Communication between the flight attendants and the cockpit became a challenge, making it difficult for passengers to receive information. The experience was described as violent.
The investigation of the grounded plane revealed missing headrests and damage to the interior of the aircraft. One flight attendant sustained minor injuries, while several passengers required medical attention.
The NTSB continues to investigate the accident, which has raised new concerns about Boeing. The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all Boeing 737-9 Max planes with the same part for inspections.
In response to the accident, Boeing CEO David Calhoun canceled a leadership summit and announced a companywide safety meeting to address the causes and prevent such incidents in the future.
The NTSB is urging residents near the site of the emergency landing to check their rooftops for any fallen parts and to review security camera footage that may provide valuable evidence for the investigation.
As the investigation continues, the NTSB is expected to identify the causes of the accident in the weeks ahead.