Alaska Airlines Pilot Didn’t Know About Hole in Plane Until Landing

Emily Wiprud, the first officer on the Alaska Airlines blowout flight in January, shared her experience with CBS News, revealing that she was unaware of a hole in the 737 Max until the aircraft landed. The incident left her fearing that passengers onboard had lost their lives.

Uncontrolled Decompression

At an altitude of 16,000 feet, a door plug detached from the fuselage of the Boeing 737 Max, leading to an uncontrolled decompression that necessitated an emergency landing. The sudden event not only shocked the crew but also raised concerns regarding Boeing's safety protocols.

Initial Confusion

Wiprud described the moment as an "explosion in my ears" followed by a rush of air. Despite the chaos, she was oblivious to the hole in the aircraft until they touched down. The realization that something was drastically wrong dawned on her, amplifying the already tense situation.

Heroic Responses

Upon opening the flight deck door post-landing, Wiprud was met with a surprisingly calm atmosphere among the passengers. Her concern for the well-being of the flight attendants escalated when she was informed of "empty seats and injuries," leading her to fear the worst. However, the eventual revelation that all passengers survived, including the teenager whose seat was vacated due to the incident, brought immense relief.

Continuing Investigation

Despite the successful outcome, the investigation into Alaska Flight 1282 remains ongoing. A preliminary report uncovered that the jet had departed Boeing's factory without essential bolts required to secure the door plug, shedding light on potential lapses in safety protocols.

As the repercussions of the incident continue to unfold, the resilience and swift actions of the pilot, crew, and supporting personnel serve as a testament to their unwavering dedication to passenger safety and well-being.

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By: psyme@businessinsider.com (Pete Syme)
Title: Alaska Airlines Pilot Didn’t Know About Hole in Plane Until Landing
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/alaska-airlines-blowout-pilot-says-she-thought-passengers-died-2024-9
Published Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2024 10:42:18 +0000