PORTLAND, Ore. – Passengers of an Alaska Airlines flight that experienced a critical failure have chosen to file a class action lawsuit against Boeing. The incident occurred during takeoff on Friday, Jan. 5, forcing the aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 9, to make an emergency return landing at Portland International Airport. The suit was filed by a Seattle firm on behalf of the passengers.
Flight 1282 departed from PDX shortly before 4:30 p.m. When the plane reached an altitude of 16,000 feet, a door plug blew out, causing a rapid depressurization incident. The force of the depressurization ripped the shirt off a young boy and sucked out debris, cell phones, and much of the oxygen from the aircraft. Several passengers in close proximity to the hole in the fuselage moved to seats closer to the front of the plane.
Although the aircraft landed safely at PDX around 5:30 p.m., the ordeal left passengers terrified for their lives. The passengers, gripped with fear, prayed and sent text messages to their families expressing their trepidation. Some even burst into tears. The suit describes the incident as a nightmare experience that has had economic, physical, and ongoing emotional consequences for the passengers.
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded some Boeing 737 MAX 9s. The FAA also launched an investigation into the cause of the decompression incident. However, the passengers decided to file the lawsuit before the investigation results were determined, citing their need for physical and emotional support.
This incident serves as another troubling mark on the already-troubled 737-MAX series aircraft. Passengers are seeking compensation for the damages they have suffered as a result of this terrifying experience.
In conclusion, passengers of an Alaska Airlines flight have filed a class action lawsuit against Boeing after the aircraft experienced a critical failure during takeoff. The incident caused rapid depressurization and forced the plane to return to Portland International Airport. The passengers are seeking compensation for the economic, physical, and emotional consequences they have endured due to this terrifying ordeal. The FAA has grounded some Boeing 737 MAX 9s and launched an investigation into the incident. This incident adds to the troubling history of the 737-MAX series aircraft.