Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Carrying Rapper Tech N9ne Returns to Kansas Amid Suspected Fuel Leak

An Alaska Airlines flight from Kansas City, MO, to Seattle was forced to turn around approximately half an hour into the journey due to a suspected fuel leak. Onboard the flight was rapper and Kansas City native Tech N9ne. The flight landed safely back in Kansas City, and the Boeing 737 remains on the ground for inspection.

Fuel Leak Forces Alaska 737 Diversion

On June 7th, Alaska Airlines Flight 291 departed Kansas City International Airport (MCI) at 15:19 local time, heading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). According to a report from KMBC, pilots received an indication of a fuel leak early into the flight. In response, they shut down the aircraft's No.1 engine and made the decision to turn back to Kansas City.

Data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft began its return just over 30 minutes into the flight, landing safely at MCI shortly after 16:30. No injuries were reported. Tech N9ne, who was on the flight, mentioned on his Facebook account that he was listening to new music when a flight attendant informed him of the potential fuel leak.

Airline Statement

Alaska Airlines confirmed that the pilots followed standard procedures by shutting down one engine before returning to Kansas City. The airline stated, "Alaska Airlines is currently working to take care of the affected passengers and arrange their travel to Seattle. The airline also extends its sincere apologies to the passengers for the inconvenience caused."

24-Year-Old Boeing 737-900

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 737-900, registered as N302AS, built in June 2000. It has been in service for nearly 24 years and is powered by two CFM56 engines. As of February 2024, the jet has accumulated over 67,000 flight hours and 28,000 flight cycles, according to data from ch-aviation.

The narrowbody aircraft can seat up to 178 passengers, with 162 in economy and 16 in business class. Initially used by Boeing as a testbed, it was delivered to Alaska Airlines in April 2003. The aircraft spent over a year in storage during the COVID-19 pandemic before returning to service in the summer of 2021.

Flightradar

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Carrying Rapper Tech N9ne Returns to Kansas Amid Suspected Fuel Leak

An Alaska Airlines flight from Kansas City, MO, to Seattle was forced to turn around approximately half an hour into the journey due to a suspected fuel leak. Onboard the flight was rapper and Kansas City native Tech N9ne. The flight landed safely back in Kansas City, and the Boeing 737 remains on the ground for inspection.

Fuel Leak Forces Alaska 737 Diversion

On June 7th, Alaska Airlines Flight 291 departed Kansas City International Airport (MCI) at 15:19 local time, heading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). According to a report from KMBC, pilots received an indication of a fuel leak early into the flight. In response, they shut down the aircraft's No.1 engine and made the decision to turn back to Kansas City.

Data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft began its return just over 30 minutes into the flight, landing safely at MCI shortly after 16:30. No injuries were reported. Tech N9ne, who was on the flight, mentioned on his Facebook account that he was listening to new music when a flight attendant informed him of the potential fuel leak.

Airline Statement

Alaska Airlines confirmed that the pilots followed standard procedures by shutting down one engine before returning to Kansas City. The airline stated, "Alaska Airlines is currently working to take care of the affected passengers and arrange their travel to Seattle. The airline also extends its sincere apologies to the passengers for the inconvenience caused."

24-Year-Old Boeing 737-900

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 737-900, registered as N302AS, built in June 2000. It has been in service for nearly 24 years and is powered by two CFM56 engines. As of February 2024, the jet has accumulated over 67,000 flight hours and 28,000 flight cycles, according to data from ch-aviation.

The narrowbody aircraft can seat up to 178 passengers, with 162 in economy and 16 in business class. Initially used by Boeing as a testbed, it was delivered to Alaska Airlines in April 2003. The aircraft spent over a year in storage during the COVID-19 pandemic before returning to service in the summer of 2021.

Current Status

Flightradar24 data shows that the aircraft remains on the ground in Kansas City, approximately 20 hours after the incident. Fuel leaks are a serious safety concern, so the aircraft will undergo a rigorous inspection and maintenance protocol before it is returned to service.