Alaska Airlines Door Blowout Sparks Federal Investigation Into Boeing

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 13, 2024 17:30 PMNews
Share:
a white and blue airplane flying over a runway
a white and blue airplane flying over a runway. Source: unsplash

In January, a terrifying mid-air incident occurred when the door of an Alaska Airlines flight blew off during the flight. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 9, was traveling from Portland with 171 passengers and six crew members. This alarming event prompted an investigation into Boeing’s manufacturing practices, further heightening scrutiny on the company, which is already under investigation for previous issues with the 737 MAX models. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported despite the severity of the situation.

Emily Whi, the pilot of the ill-fated flight, recently recounted her experience for the first time. She described the sudden explosion and the immediate depressurization of the cabin. The situation was dire, but the crew acted quickly and managed to safely land the plane. It was only after landing that Whi and her crew fully realized the extent of the damage: the door had completely detached mid-flight.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently leading the investigation into this incident, which has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols and manufacturing standards at Boeing. Preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft left the factory without the necessary bolts to secure the door, a critical oversight that could have resulted in a far worse outcome.

Boeing, already facing fallout from the fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, is now dealing with another potential crisis. In addition to the NTSB probe, Boeing is also facing a possible strike by over 30,000 of its employees, who are demanding better wages and benefits. The situation has cast a shadow over the company's future, raising questions about its safety and operational standards.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Etihad Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear sky

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM

Kyoto to Welcome New Midscale Hotel Near Key Transit and Attractions

Jul 2, 2025 21:41 PM
Silhouetted travelers walking through airport at sunset

Loganair Makes Temporary Offer for More Flexible Tickets and Baggage Allowance

Jul 2, 2025 19:37 PM
Modern bedroom with blush pink decor and minimalist lighting

Fresh Accommodation Choice Opens Near Florence’s Iconic Landmarks

Jul 2, 2025 18:25 PM
Lufthansa airplane approaching for landing

Frankfurt Launches Long-Haul Flights Amid Busy Holiday Travel

Jul 2, 2025 17:42 PM
Modern hotel room with white bedding and sculptural wooden wall design

New hotel in Turgutreis opens up another side of Bodrum

Jul 2, 2025 07:38 AM
SAS Airbus A320neo regional jet in flight under cloudy sky

SAS’s New Regional Jets Set to Expand Travel Options Across Scandinavia

Jul 1, 2025 22:46 PM

InterContinental Expands to Brisbane CBD as City Prepares for 2032 Games

Jul 1, 2025 20:29 PM

Iberia Launches Boarding Pass That Updates in Real Time to Keep Travelers Informed

Jul 1, 2025 18:33 PM
Modern hotel room with large bed, soft lighting, and work desk

Melbourne Adds Flexible Stay Option in Central District

Jul 1, 2025 16:44 PM
Etihad Airways Boeing 787 in special livery mid-flight

Etihad Opens Direct Summer Routes to Six Mediterranean Cities

Jul 1, 2025 10:27 AM
Modern, minimalist hotel bedroom with wooden accents and abstract art

Radisson Expands to Dobra Voda, Opening Access to Southern Montenegro Trails and Shores

Jul 1, 2025 08:31 AM
Person speaking into a megaphone during a public demonstration

Strike at Helsinki Airport to Disrupt Finnair Flights, Thousands to Face Travel Changes

Jun 30, 2025 20:38 PM

Berlin Becomes the Newest Dot on Dalata’s European Journey

Jun 30, 2025 18:23 PM

Transavia Replaces Boeing with New Jet on Mallorca Route

Jun 29, 2025 22:49 PM
Three diverse dishes served in food hall style with herbs and spices

European Food Halls Become Essential Travel Destinations

Jun 29, 2025 20:36 PM
Close-up of a Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on the tarmac at sunset

Direct Flights Between Copenhagen and Nuuk Resume After Two Decades, Opening New Arctic Travel Opportunities

Jun 28, 2025 21:22 PM
Electric Lumo train moving on railway tracks in the UK

New Slow Travel Trend Offers Different Way to Discover the UK

Jun 28, 2025 19:48 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft preparing to land

LOT Adds Direct Flights Connecting Gdańsk to Istanbul’s Historic Core

Jun 28, 2025 17:35 PM
Multiple trains approach a busy London rail junction under a canopy of signals

Travel Disruption Expected on London Rail Lines 3 July

Jun 28, 2025 15:21 PM

New Direct Flights Between Nice and Florence Open Up Easier Travel Across the Mediterranean

Jun 28, 2025 13:47 PM

Steady Travel Through Wales: T4 Changes Operator in September

Jun 28, 2025 00:34 AM
Modern hotel room with large windows, patterned wallpaper, and mid-century style furniture

Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls Set for Centrally Located Hotel Openings

Jun 27, 2025 21:28 PM
Air Canada aircraft in flight approaching landing

New Direct Montréal–Edinburgh Flight Opens Summer City-to-City Travel

Jun 27, 2025 19:45 PM