In a harrowing incident, an Alaska Airlines flight en route to California experienced a nightmarish emergency situation when a section of the plane’s body was blown out mid-flight. Passengers on board the flight recounted their terrifying ordeal, but thankfully, there were no serious injuries.
Passengers on the ill-fated Alaska Airlines flight vividly recall the moment when their worst fears seemed to materialize. A 22-year-old passenger, Vi Nguyen, described opening her eyes to find the oxygen mask in front of her and the side wall of the plane missing. The sudden loss of cabin pressure and the sight of the damaged aircraft instilled a sense of impending doom among the passengers.
The incident occurred mid-flight, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency and initiate a rapid descent. The distress call was made to the Portland approach, informing them of the situation and the aircraft’s new heading. With over 170 passengers and six crew members on board, the priority was to ensure their safety and execute an emergency landing.
Whole door flew off an Alaskan Airlines plane mid flight
Nightmare Fuel
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Following the emergency landing, passengers expressed their relief that no one was seated directly next to the blown-off portion of the plane. Contrary to some initial reports, it was not the emergency door but rather a window that was blown out during the incident. A passenger even posted a video capturing the terrifying moment, emphasizing the absence of any occupants in immediate proximity.
In the wake of the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary order to halt the use of certain Boeing 737 Max 9 planes by U.S. airlines. This precautionary measure aimed to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent any potential recurrence of similar incidents. The FAA’s decision received support from Boeing, with the company expressing its commitment to conducting immediate inspections of aircraft with the same configuration as the one involved in the incident.
Alaska Airlines CEO, Ben Minicucci, conveyed his concern for those who experienced the terrifying flight and expressed his apologies for their ordeal. He reassured the public that the affected aircraft would only return to service after undergoing comprehensive maintenance and safety inspections. The airline is actively collaborating with Boeing and regulatory authorities to investigate the incident further and gather a comprehensive understanding of what transpired.
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