Federal officials issued an immediate grounding order for Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners following a blowout incident on an Alaska Airlines plane. The incident resulted in a substantial hole in the fuselage, prompting inspections for approximately 171 airplanes worldwide. As of now, over a quarter of the fleet has been inspected, revealing no concerning findings, according to the company's statement on X.
An Alaska Airlines jetliner experienced a blown-out window and fuselage damage shortly after takeoff above Oregon. The emergency landing was executed successfully, with no serious injuries reported among the 174 passengers and six crew members who utilized oxygen masks during the incident. The airline grounded its 65 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft for inspection, constituting a fifth of its 314-plane fleet.
Inspection and Investigation
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci mentioned that the inspection of the 737-9 fleet could take days. The company is collaborating with Boeing and regulators to understand the incident fully. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced its intent to investigate the occurrence.
Passenger Account
Passenger Evan Smith described the harrowing experience, noting that a child's shirt was sucked out of the plane during the blowout. The pilots successfully navigated the emergency, declaring it and making a controlled descent to a safer altitude.
Previous Incidents and Safety Measures
Max 8 Crashes
The Boeing 737 Max series faced previous challenges with two crashes in 2018 and 2019, leading to a global grounding. The aircraft returned to service after Boeing addressed issues with an automated flight control system linked to the crashes. Safety measures, including restrictions on an anti-ice system and inspections for manufacturing flaws, were implemented.
Union Commendation
The Association of Flight Attendants commended the crew for prioritizing passenger safety during the emergency. The union emphasized flight attendants' training for emergencies and commitment to aviation safety.
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