Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, en route from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, underwent an emergency landing after a fuselage cap detached mid-flight on Friday night, as reported by a passenger to CNN. The airline confirmed the incident, stating, “The aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport with 174 passengers and six crew members. We are investigating what happened and will share more information as it becomes available.”
The flight, lasting approximately 20 minutes, according to FlightAware, departed from Portland International Airport at 5:07 p.m. local time and landed at 5:27 p.m. The quick turnaround underscores the urgency of the situation.
Passenger Kyle Rinker recounted the alarming moment when the fuselage cap dislodged shortly after takeoff. “It was very abrupt; we had just reached altitude, and the window/wall just shot out, and I didn’t realize until the oxygen masks came down,” said Rinker, highlighting the suddenness and intensity of the incident.
The aircraft, identified as a 737 Max 9, received its “airworthiness” certificate on October 25, 2023, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the occurrence, as confirmed in a statement. The incident raises questions about aviation safety and maintenance protocols, prompting thorough examinations to ensure the well-being of future flights and passengers.