Alaska Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Portland with no exit door

An Alaska Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Portland International Airport (PDX) Friday night after experiencing a decompression incident, according to several passengers.

A passenger, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared dramatic photos Fox News’ KPTV a window and part of a side wall are missing.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced late Friday that it is investigating the emergency landing of Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX 9 shortly after takeoff from Portland.

A large section of a sidewall of the plane, which was bound for Ontario, California, blew off shortly after takeoff and landed safely back in Portland at 5:26 p.m. Pacific time with 174 passengers and six crew members, according to airline and Flightradar24 data.

At 7:26 p.m. (PST) Alaska Airlines posted on X: “We are aware of the incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.”

Boeing said in a statement that it is considering an emergency landing.

“We are aware of the incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. We are working to gather more information and are in contact with our airline customer. A Boeing technical team is ready to support the investigation.”

Diego Murillo, a passenger, reported that Alaska Airlines rebooked them on a 11:00 PM flight out of PDX.

Anthony Brickhouse, an aviation safety expert at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said: “Anytime you have a rapid depressurization like this, it’s a major safety event.

Diego Murillo, a passenger, reported that Alaska Airlines rebooked them on a 11:00 PM flight out of PDX.

Anthony Brickhouse, an aviation safety specialist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said: “Anytime you have a rapid depressurization like this, it’s a significant safety event.”

The incident shows the importance of passengers wearing their seat belts while on an airplane, even if the seat belt light is off, Brickhouse said, noting that the oxygen mask system appeared to be working properly.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data suggests the new MAX 9 was delivered in late October to Alaska Airlines and certified in early November.

Boeing previously urged airlines to inspect all 737 MAX aircraft for a possible loose screw in the rudder control system.

The FAA is closely monitoring these inspections and may consider additional action if further material discoveries are found.

The 737 MAX was grounded for 20 months after two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Boeing is awaiting certification for the smaller 737 MAX 7 and the larger MAX 10.