The US Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident involving a Alaska Airlines Boeing Max 737 aircraft which, according to images published in some media, lost part of its fuselage mid-flight, although it was able to land safely at the airport in 1999 Portland. According to flight tracking data, the flight to Ontario, California, had reached an altitude of 16,000 feet (4,876 m) when it began its emergency descent.
“Flight 1282 Alaska Airlines returned safely to Portland International Airport after the crew reported a pressure equalization problem. The plane was en route to Ontario International Airport. in California,” the agency said in a statement. According to images of some passengers broadcast by American media, a fuselage panel including windows, It came loose shortly after takeoff.
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. On the plane, Boeing 737 Max, There were 171 passengers and six crew members on board, and the plane was only in flight for about 35 minutes after taking off from Portland Airport.
The airline Alaska Airlines announced this via the social network has decided to ground its fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft. “Each aircraft will not be returned to service until full maintenance and safety inspections have been completed.” He said it was 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 priorityAlthough an incident of this nature is rare, our flight crew was 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.
Passenger testimonials
The BBC has collected statements from some of the passengers on board, including Evan Smith: “There was a very loud bang at the left tail of the aircraft and a dull thud.. All air masks fell. They said there was a boy in that row whose shirt had been sucked out and who was taken off the plane and his mother held him to make sure he didn't leave. Diego Murillo explained that the gap was “as wide as a refrigerator.” Fellow passenger Elizabeth Lee added: “Part of the plane was missing and the wind was extremely strong … but everyone was in their seats and strapped in.” Jessica Montoia described the flight as “Journey from Hell” He added that the wind knocked a phone out of a man's hand.
Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said in statements to the British public broadcaster that the 737 Max would return to service “only after all safety and maintenance inspections have been completed.” And he added: “My heart goes out to those who were on that flight. “I’m very sorry for what you experienced,” Minicucci said. “I am very grateful for the response of our pilots and flight attendants.”