An Alaska Airlines flight that took off from Portland Friday afternoon had to make an emergency landing back in Portland soon after takeoff after a potential disaster occurred while air bound.
While in the air, a panel and window blew out of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, leaving a refrigerator-sized hole on the side of the plane, and over 100 occupants fearing for their lives.
The cabin depressurized and oxygen masks were deployed, though thankfully the pilots were able to make an emergency landing back in Portland before any serious damage to the six crew members and 171 passengers could occur. Only minor injuries were reported.
This plane was flying over Alaska when part of it blew off, tearing a hole in the side of the plane.
— Channel 5 News (@5_News) January 8, 2024
The pilot still managed to land, and no one was injured, but part of the plane has now turned up in a teacher's back garden.@simonvigar5 | #5News pic.twitter.com/0xZaUiQjzj
According to ABC News, about 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircrafts will be grounded while further inspection takes place.
The FAA said in a statement, "The FAA's first priority is keeping the flying public safe. We have grounded the affected airplanes, and they will remain grounded until the FAA is satisfied that they are safe."
