Emily Wiprud initially thought people had been killed when the door plug on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 blew off shortly after takeoff. She opened the flight deck door to find the passengers and flight attendants staring back at her, but all were accounted for. A total of 177 souls were on board the flight, and Wiprud was grateful they were all safe.
The door plug, which is part of the fuselage and takes the place of an emergency exit door on certain seating configurations, blew off the plane, leaving a hole in the side of the aircraft. Federal investigations later revealed that Boeing had delivered the 737 Max plane to Alaska Airlines without four bolts designed to hold the door plug in place. Wiprud initially experienced an explosion in her ears, a whoosh of air, and a loud bang, causing her body to be forced forward.
Despite the loud noise of air whooshing through the plane and her headset being ripped off as the cabin depressurized, Wiprud was able to safely land the plane without any serious injuries occurring to those on board. Questions about the incident remain unanswered, as neither Boeing nor the National Transportation Safety Board knows how the 737 Max was delivered to Alaska Airlines without the necessary bolts. The incident severely damaged Boeing’s reputation for safety and quality, leading to the replacement of the CEO and the implementation of a court monitor to oversee compliance with federal safety standards.
The aftermath of the incident has left lingering uncertainties surrounding the delivery of the 737 Max to Alaska Airlines without the four necessary bolts holding the door plug in place. The damage done to Boeing’s reputation and the safety concerns raised by the incident have resulted in ongoing investigations and hearings to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the event. The replacement of Boeing’s CEO and the appointment of a court monitor demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and the company’s commitment to ensuring compliance with federal safety standards.
Emily Wiprud’s experience piloting Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 highlights the quick thinking and professionalism of the flight crew in a crisis situation. Despite the initial shock of the door plug blowing off and the resulting cabin depressurization, Wiprud was able to successfully navigate the plane and land it safely. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols in the aviation industry, and the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
