Alaska Airlines Grounds Flights After Jetliner Warning Light
As a precautionary measure, Alaska Airlines took a decisive step to limit the use of the aircraft for long flights over water. This decision was made to ensure that if the warning light reappeared, the jet could swiftly return to an airport for immediate attention, Homendy explained.
Despite the caution exercised, Homendy emphasized that the warning light indicating potential pressurization concerns might not directly relate to Friday's incident. The recent event involved the expulsion of a plug covering an unused exit door on the Boeing 737 Max 9, occurring approximately three miles above Oregon.
In a surprising turn, the NTSB confirmed the discovery of the lost door plug on Sunday night, found by a local school teacher in his backyard near Portland, Oregon. This unexpected recovery serves as a critical piece in the ongoing investigation.
The incident has prompted a comprehensive inquiry into the Boeing jetliner's operational status and the recurring warning light concerns. The NTSB continues to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the inflight blowout to determine the underlying causes and ensure the safety and security of future flights.