Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 Experiences Mid-Air Emergency.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX faced a mid-air emergency shortly after take-off from Portland International Airport, resulting in an emergency landing in Oregon. The incident, involving 177 people on board, prompted investigations by aviation authorities, with a blown-out airplane panel door plug identified as a key component under scrutiny.
During the emergency, a passenger’s iPhone fell from the aircraft, later discovered by Seanathan Bates on Barnes Road. The iPhone, protected by a case, was found in good condition, and its in-flight activation remained operational. Social media posts featuring the discovered iPhone ignited speculation about its model, potentially being an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro.
Found an iPhone on the side of the road… Still in airplane mode with half a battery and open to a baggage claim for #AlaskaAirlines ASA1282 Survived a 16,000 foot drop perfectly in tact!
— Seanathan Bates (@SeanSafyre) January 7, 2024
When I called it in, Zoe at @NTSB said it was the SECOND phone to be found. No door yet😅 pic.twitter.com/CObMikpuFd
The emergency prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to confirm the incident, citing a “pressurization issue” that led to the plane’s swift return to Portland. Fortunately, there were no major injuries reported. Images circulating on social media depicted a noticeable hole in the aircraft’s side panel, revealing emergency oxygen masks.
In response to the incident, airlines and safety authorities globally grounded certain versions of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets for immediate inspections. Flights were canceled, and the FAA mandated inspections before permitting affected Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes to resume flights. The investigation into the mid-air emergency and subsequent discoveries, including the fallen iPhone, underscores ongoing concerns and scrutiny surrounding aircraft safety and potential manufacturing issues.