“We are depressurized”: a plane makes an emergency landing after losing a window in mid-flight

A passenger on the plane was able to take a photo of the part of the plane that flew away. X – Kyle Rinker

An Alaska Airlines flight in the United States turned into a nightmare this Friday, January 5, 2024 when part of the plane took off in mid-flight, sucking in belongings passengers and forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Portland.

A disaster scenario. Passengers on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 had a big scare this Friday, January 5, 2024. A plane bound for Ontario (California) left the international airport from Portland at 4:52 p.m. Friday, but returned 35 minutes later after part of the plane broke off in mid-flight, reports CNN.

A panel of the fuselage, including the panel window, did indeed detach shortly after takeoff, Kyle Rinker, a passenger on the flight, told CNN.

Passengers described the chaos as passengers' cell phones and belongings were sucked through the plane's gaping hole.

"It's really brutal. I gained altitude and the window came loose. I didn't notice it until the oxygen masks were removed, Mr. Rinker said.

Firefighters were called to assess minor injuries after landing, but no serious injuries were reported.

Alaska Airlines confirmed that an incident occurred on Flight 1282, which was flying from Portland to Ontario, but did not immediately provide details about the incident. nature of the incident.

"There was a very loud detonation towards the rear of the plane"

"We are in an emergency situation, we are depressurized, we have to return to base, we have 177 passengers", said the pilot to air traffic control after receiving authorization to descend to altitude.

Evan Smith, a passenger on the plane, told CNN that he was seated at least six rows in front of the section where the incident took place. #39;is produced. "There was a very loud bang toward the rear of the plane, a whooshing sound and all the masks came off,” Mr. Smith said.< /p>

Alaska Airlines said it is investigating and will release more information as it becomes available.