The US Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident involving a plane that lost part of its fuselage mid-flight despite being able to land safely at Portland Airport, according to images published in some media outlets.
“Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 returned safely to Portland International Airport at approximately 5:00 p.m. local time (01:00 GMT) on Friday, January 5, after the crew reported a pressure issue. The aircraft was en route to Ontario International Airport in California,” the agency said in a statement.
According to images of some passengers distributed by American media, Shortly after takeoff, a fuselage panel including the windows came off.
A witness quoted by CNN says the fuselage separated as the plane gained altitude and that he didn't realize it until he was able to remove his oxygen mask.
The plane, a Boeing 737 Max, was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members and was only in flight for about 35 minutes after taking off from Portland Airport.
The airline Alaska Airlines announced via the social network X that it had decided to ground its fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft. Each aircraft will not return to service until full maintenance and safety inspections have been completed.
He also said they were working with Boeing and regulators “to understand what happened tonight.”
According to the airline, an incident occurred this afternoon shortly after departure on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California. The aircraft landed safely at Portland International Airport with 171 guests and 6 crew members.”
“The safety of our guests and employees is always our top priority. Although incidents of this nature are rare, our flight crew has been trained and prepared to handle the situation safely. We are investigating what happened and will share further information as it becomes available,” the airline said.
Also via the social network “We are working to collect further information and are in contact with our airline customer. A Boeing technical team stands ready to assist in the investigation,” they said.