Alaska Airlines Door Blows, Video Captures Panicked Passengers, Flight Makes Emergency Landing

Panicked passengers onboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX endured a harrowing experience today when one of the plane's doors blew open mid-air shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. Thankfully, the flight safely returned to Portland International Airport, leaving passengers shaken but unharmed.

Disturbing videos captured by passengers reveal the mid-cabin emergency exit door completely detached from the aircraft, exposing the interior to the raging wind and frigid temperatures at high altitude. The cause of the door malfunction remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Alaska Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, assuring that all 171 passengers and 6 crew members onboard are safe. The flight reportedly reached an altitude of over 16,000 feet before being diverted back to Portland.

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

Details surrounding the specific door involved are still emerging. Flightradar24, a real-time flight tracking service, noted that the 737-9 MAX model sometimes includes a rear cabin exit door behind the wings, intended for dense seating configurations but permanently deactivated and "plugged" on Alaska Airlines aircraft.

This terrifying incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of air travel, even on relatively new aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX. Thankfully, the quick action of the pilot and the robust safety protocols in place ensured a safe outcome for all onboard.

As the NTSB investigation unfolds, questions will swirl around the cause of the door malfunction and whether any systemic issues exist. The aviation community will be closely monitoring the investigation's progress, eager to learn from this incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The passengers who experienced this mid-air ordeal will undoubtedly carry the memory of their terrifying flight for years to come. While thankful for their safe return, their shaken nerves and harrowing video footage serve as a chilling testament to the potential dangers lurking in the skies.