In a shocking turn of events, all Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets have been grounded after a terrifying incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane. Passengers recounted a harrowing experience as a significant part of the aircraft tore off shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. The incident left a massive hole and numerous unanswered questions in its wake.
Prior to the incident, a pressurization warning light had been activated three times on the Alaska Airlines plane. As a precautionary measure, the airline had restricted the aircraft from undertaking long-haul trips over water to ensure a swift return to an airport if needed. Unfortunately, these precautions proved insufficient, as during the flight, a violent explosion occurred, causing the plane's door plug to blow off. The force of the explosion was so intense that headrests were torn off, extra oxygen masks were sheared off, and some seats were twisted from the sudden depressurization. Astonishingly, the two seats closest to the breached area were unoccupied.
Significant progress has been made in the ongoing investigation into this unexpected incident. One essential piece of evidence has been recovered – the refrigerator-sized door plug, which was found in a backyard in Portland. This discovery represents a crucial breakthrough in the investigation, as the door plug holds potential clues to whether the incident was caused by mechanical failure or a manufacturing defect by Boeing or its contractors. It is worth noting that the aircraft in question was only a few months old, having taken its first flight on October 15th and completed just 150 flights for Alaska Airlines.
While valuable evidence has been obtained, a setback has occurred as the cockpit voice recording, a key piece of the investigation, has been completely overwritten. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has expressed disappointment in this development and has previously urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to extend the cockpit voice recorder's retention time from two hours to 25 hours, in hopes of preventing similar incidents in the future.
Despite the loss of the cockpit voice recording, investigators have examined the interior and exterior of the aircraft, noting the twisted and contorted metal of the seats caused by the rush of air through the breached fuselage. Moreover, it has been revealed that a pressurization warning light had been activated three times before the incident, including once on the day prior. While investigators find this disconcerting, they remain uncertain about its direct correlation to the cabin incident.
As a result of these developments, all Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets operated by Alaska Airlines and United Airlines remain grounded. Both airlines have had to cancel several flights, with United Airlines alone canceling 270 MAX 9 flights over the weekend. Consequently, thorough inspections mandated by the FAA are being carried out to ensure the safety and security of these aircraft.
As the investigation into this alarming incident continues, it is imperative to uncover the cause to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The discovery of the door plug offers hope that vital answers will be revealed, providing a clearer understanding of the events leading up to this catastrophic incident aboard the Alaska Airlines plane.
