FAA Grounds 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 Jets After Door Detachment Scare
The FAA has slapped a temporary grounding order on 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. This drastic move follows a shocking incident where the mid-cabin exit door tore right off during an Alaska Airlines flight.
Shocking Mid-Flight Door Detachment Caught on Camera
On Friday night, passengers on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from Portland to Ontario, California, filmed the terrifying moment the outer section of the plane’s door detached mid-air. The plane was climbing when the door broke away, sparking an emergency descent.
Safe Landing and Swift Response
Despite the scare, the aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport with 171 passengers and 6 crew onboard. Alaska Airlines confirmed the incident, saying:
“AS1282 from Portland to Ontario, CA, experienced an incident this evening soon after departure. The aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport with 171 guests and 6 crew members. We are investigating what happened and will share more as it becomes available.”
CEO Ben Minicucci praised the fast thinking of the crew and vowed, “Each aircraft will be returned to service only after completion of full maintenance and safety inspections.” Flight data showed the emergency descent began after the plane reached over 16,000 feet.
Safety First: Inspecting Every Boeing 737 Max 9
The FAA’s clampdown demands thorough inspections to prevent another near-disaster. Airlines and passengers alike will be watching closely as safety checks are carried out across the fleet.
