Part of an Alaska Airlines passenger plane broke off during a flight to the United States, the Daily Mail reports.
An Alaska Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Oregon on Friday after a window and part of the aircraft’s fuselage became airborne.
Alaska Airlines Forced to Make an Emergency Landing After Large Aircraft Window Blows Out Mid-Air.
The situation was so bad a child’s shirt was ripped off. pic.twitter.com/y4yMA12Iq0
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) January 6, 2024
Footage circulating on social media shows a glowing hole in the side of the plane near the passenger seats.
It is noted that the plane was heading from Portland to Ontario in California. There were 171 people and 6 crew members on board. The airport press service clarified that the plane landed safely.
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.
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) January 6, 2024
According to media reports, the plane was produced at the Boeing plant just 2.5 months ago. The return to Portland and emergency landing had to be made after 20 minutes of flight.
NEW IMAGE from on board Alaska Airlines 1282 after ***part of the fuselage*** blew out mid-flight. Successful emergency return to Portland after 20 minutes in the air. 10-week-old (!) Boeing 737 Max 9. NTSB investigating. pic.twitter.com/qjX8fQ1br1
— Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) January 6, 2024
In addition, due to depressurization, in addition to the fuselage, the unoccupied seat next to it flew out, and the shirt of one of the children was torn off. It is noted that the incident occurred at an altitude of 5 kilometers. There is no information about the casualties.
The US National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the incident that occurred during the flight and will release updated information when it is available.