View source for Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

{{Short description|2024 aviation accident}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox aircraft occurrence
| name            = Alaska Airlines Flight 1282
| image           = Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 NTSB 02.jpg
| image_upright   = 1.15
| caption         = The aircraft after the accident with the door plug missing
| occurrence_type = Accident
| date            = {{Start date|2024|01|05}}
| summary         = [[Uncontrolled decompression]] after loss of incorrectly installed door plug
| site            = In-air; near [[Portland, Oregon]], United States
| coordinates     = {{Coord|45.454167|-122.75555|format=dms}}
| aircraft_type   = [[Boeing 737 MAX 9]]
| operator        = [[Alaska Airlines]]
| tail_number     = {{Airreg|N|704AL}}
| IATA            = AS1282
| ICAO            = ASA1282
| callsign        = ALASKA 1282
| origin          = [[Portland International Airport]], [[Portland, Oregon]]
| destination     = [[Ontario International Airport]], [[Ontario, California]]
| occupants       = 177
| passengers      = 171
| crew            = 6
| fatalities      = 0
| injuries        = 3
| survivors       = 177
}}

'''Alaska Airlines Flight 1282''' was a scheduled domestic flight operated by [[Alaska Airlines]] from [[Portland International Airport]] in [[Portland, Oregon]], to [[Ontario International Airport]] in [[Ontario, California]]. Shortly after takeoff on January 5, 2024, a door plug (a structure installed to replace an optional emergency exit door) on the [[Boeing 737 MAX 9]] aircraft blew out, causing an [[uncontrolled decompression]] of the aircraft. The aircraft returned to Portland for an emergency landing. All 171 passengers and six crew members survived the accident, with three receiving minor injuries. An investigation of the accident by the [[National Transportation Safety Board]] (NTSB) is ongoing. A preliminary report published on February 6 said that four bolts, intended to secure the door plug, had been missing when the accident occurred and that Boeing records showed evidence that the plug had been reinstalled with no bolts prior to the initial delivery of the aircraft.

== Aircraft and crew ==
[[File:N704AL 2023-10-28 KBFI.jpg|thumb|The aircraft involved in October 2023]]
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737 MAX 9 (typically referred to as model 737-9 in official FAA documents) with [[manufacturer's serial number]] 67501, fuselage line number 8789, and [[aircraft registration|registered]] as N704AL. It was around two months old at the time of the accident.<ref name="AirlineGeeks">{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=John |date=January 5, 2024 |title=Explosive Decompression Reported on Alaska 737 MAX |url=https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/01/05/explosive-decompression-reported-on-alaska-737-max/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106041842/https://airlinegeeks.com/2024/01/05/explosive-decompression-reported-on-alaska-737-max/ |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=AirlineGeeks}}</ref><ref name="avherald">{{Cite web |last=Hradecky |first=Simon |date=August 6, 2024 |orig-date=January 6, 2024 |title=Accident: Alaska B39M at Portland on Jan 5th 2024, emergency exit and panel separated in flight |url=https://www.avherald.com/h?article=51354f78&opt=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106225013/https://www.avherald.com/h?article=51354f78&opt=0 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |publisher=[[The Aviation Herald]]}}</ref> At the time of the accident, the aircraft had logged 510 total flight hours over 154 flights.<ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report" />

{{multiple image
| align             = left
| direction         = horizontal
| caption_align     = center
| title             = 737 MAX 9 comparison
| image1            = Boeing, N7379E, Boeing 737-9 MAX (cropped door).jpg
| width1            = 125
| caption1          = Door installed
| image2            = Alaska 737 Max 9 (cropped).jpg
| width2            = 125
| caption2          = Opening plugged
| footer            = A comparison of the 737 MAX 9 with and without the rear mid-cabin exit door
}}

The MAX 9 has optional rear mid-cabin [[emergency exit]] doors, on each side of the aircraft behind the wings. Aircraft configured with greater than 189 seats, such as the MAX 9s operated by [[Lion Air]] (220 seats) and [[Corendon Dutch Airlines]] (213 seats), require these additional emergency exit doors and slides to meet regulatory requirements for evacuation speed. On aircraft with less dense configurations, such as those operated by Alaska Airlines (178 seats) and [[United Airlines]] (179 seats), the doors are not required and plugs are installed in their place.<ref name="w873">{{cite web | title=Explainer: How is the panel that blew off a plane made and how did it break? | website=Reuters | date=2024-02-06 | url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/how-is-panel-that-blew-off-plane-made-how-did-it-break-2024-01-09/ | access-date=2024-10-05}}</ref> Compared to leaving the exit door in place, the plug is lighter, offers a full-sized passenger window, and does not have the complexity of a door with its operations and maintenance concerns.<ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report" /> On the interior of the aircraft, the plugs are covered with cabin panels no different in appearance from a regular window panel.<ref name="seattletimeshole" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 22, 2024 |title=Federal officials recommend airlines inspect door plugs on some older Boeing jets |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-01-22/federal-officials-recommend-that-airlines-inspect-door-plugs-on-some-older-boeing-jets-as-well |access-date=January 24, 2024 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US |quote="The door plugs are panels that seal holes left for extra doors when the number of seats is not enough to trigger a requirement for more emergency-evacuation exits. From inside the plane, they look like a regular window." |agency=[[Associated Press]] |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123163842/https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-01-22/federal-officials-recommend-that-airlines-inspect-door-plugs-on-some-older-boeing-jets-as-well |url-status=live}}</ref>

The door plug was manufactured by [[Spirit AeroSystems]] in [[Selangor|Malaysia]] on March 24, 2023. It arrived at Spirit's factory in [[Wichita, Kansas]], on May 10, where the fuselage was assembled. It was installed on the fuselage before it was shipped by train on August 20 for final assembly at the [[Boeing Renton Factory]] in [[Renton, Washington]], where it arrived 11 days later.<ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Insinna |first1=Valerie |last2=Hepher |first2=Tim |last3=Shepardson |first3=David |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Spirit Aero made blowout part but Boeing has key role |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spirit-aero-made-blowout-part-boeing-has-key-role-sources-2024-01-07/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240107203833/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spirit-aero-made-blowout-part-boeing-has-key-role-sources-2024-01-07/ |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

After the fuselage arrived at the Boeing Renton Factory, five damaged [[rivet]]s were found on the fuselage near the door plugs. The plug was removed so that Spirit AeroSystems employees could fix the rivets. Once the repair was made, the door was reinstalled, but not bolted into place.<ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report" />

From November 27 to December 7, the aircraft was under modification by [[AAR Corp]] at a facility in [[Oklahoma City]] to install a [[Gogo Inflight Internet#2Ku|satellite antenna]] for in-flight internet service atop the rear fuselage, in the vicinity of the door plugs. AAR stated on January 8 that they did not perform any work involving the plugs themselves.<ref name="Chokshi Walker 2024 l483" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/aar-corp-says-it-did-not-perform-any-work-near-alaska-airs-mid-cabin-exit-door-2024-01-08/ |title=Jet service firm AAR says it did no work near Alaska Air's exit panel |work=Reuters |date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 24, 2024}}</ref>

The unnamed captain had logged 12,700 flight hours, including 6,500 hours on the Boeing 737. The first officer, Emily Wiprud,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cleave |first=Kris Van |last2=Krupnik |first2=Kathryn |last3=Breen |first3=Kerry |date=2024-09-12 |title=Alaska Airlines pilot describes moment of door blowout in first interview: "I knew something was catastrophically wrong" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/alaska-airlines-pilot-interview-door-blowout-emily-wiprud/ |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=CBS News}}</ref> had 8,300 flight hours, with 1,500 of them on the Boeing 737.<ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report" />{{Rp|page=2}}

As of June 28, 2024, Alaska returned the accident aircraft to Boeing, which is listed as the owner on the formalized [[aircraft registration]], while awaiting delivery of a MAX 10 aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-29 |title=Alaska Air returns 737 MAX 9 involved in midair blowout to Boeing |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/transport-logistics/alaska-air-returns-737-max-9-involved-midair-blowout-boeing |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=The Business Times |language=en}}</ref>

== Accident ==
[[File:AlaskaAirlines1282a.jpg|thumb|left|Flight path illustration of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282]]

{{737 MAX series}}

Flight 1282 took off from [[Portland International Airport]] on January 5, 2024, at 5:07&nbsp;p.m. [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]].<ref name="nyt">{{Cite news |last1=Yoon |first1=John |last2=Mayorquin |first2=Orlando |last3=Kim |first3=Victoria |date=January 6, 2024 |orig-date=January 5, 2024 |title=F.A.A. Orders Airlines to Ground Some Boeing 737 Max 9 Jets After Midair 'Incident' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/business/alaska-airlines-flight-portland-landing.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107203102/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/05/business/alaska-airlines-flight-portland-landing.html |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Six crew members and 171 passengers were aboard the flight.<ref name="Alaska_Airlines_Statement">{{Cite web |last=<!--Not stated--> |date=January 5, 2024 |title=Information about Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 |url=https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106075153/https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |publisher=[[Alaska Airlines]]}}</ref>

Approximately six minutes after takeoff, the factory-installed door plug filling the port-side opening for the optional emergency exit door separated from the [[airframe]], causing an [[uncontrolled decompression]] of the aircraft.<ref name="seattletimeshole">{{Cite news |last=Gates |first=Dominic |author-link=Dominic Gates |date=January 5, 2024 |title=Alaska Airlines grounds MAX 9s after door plug blows out on Portland flight |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/180-on-alaska-airlines-flight-safe-and-scared-in-portland-after-window-blows/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107200534/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/180-on-alaska-airlines-flight-safe-and-scared-in-portland-after-window-blows/ |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref name="reutersgrounded">{{Cite web |last1=Shepardson |first1=David |last2=Insinna |first2=Valerie |last3=Hepher |first3=Tim |date=January 7, 2024 |title=US FAA orders Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes grounded after blowout |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-safety-board-investigating-alaska-airlines-boeing-737-max-9-emergency-landing-2024-01-06/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240107204704/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-safety-board-investigating-alaska-airlines-boeing-737-max-9-emergency-landing-2024-01-06/ |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> The aircraft's [[Emergency oxygen system|oxygen masks]] deployed during the accident.<ref name="nyt" /> No one was in seat 26A, which was immediately next to the hole.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Isidore |first=Chris |date=January 8, 2024 |title=A terrifying 10 minute flight adds to years of Boeing's quality control problems |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/business/boeing-safety-quality-problems/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108173919/https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/business/boeing-safety-quality-problems/index.html |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=CNN}}</ref> Three passengers experienced minor injuries that required medical attention, and some passengers' items were lost when the items were sucked out of the opening.<ref name="Alaska_Airlines_Statement" /><ref name="KGW_report_2024-01-05">{{Cite news |last1=McCarty |first1=Alma |date=January 6, 2024 |orig-date=January 5, 2024 |title=Alaska Airlines flight forced to make emergency landing at Portland airport after panel on side of plane blows out |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/alaska-airlines-flight-emergency-landing-portland-international-airport/283-3510ca7b-26ae-43fa-9b2f-03f387dc06b9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106090017/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/alaska-airlines-flight-emergency-landing-portland-international-airport/283-3510ca7b-26ae-43fa-9b2f-03f387dc06b9 |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=[[KGW]]}}</ref><ref name="NTSB_tweet_2">{{Cite tweet |number=1743627368537768417 |user=NTSB_Newsroom |title=Update: NTSB has launched a Go Team to Portland, Oregon to investigate an event with a Boeing 737–9 MAX during a flight from Portland to Ontario, California. No serious injuries were reported. |author=NTSB Newsroom |author-link=National Transportation Safety Board |date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240107205842/https://twitter.com/NTSB_Newsroom/status/1743627368537768417 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |url-status=live |link=no}}</ref>

{{external media
| float  = right
| image1 = [https://twitter.com/NTSB_Newsroom/status/1744202059870831016 "Diagram of a Boeing 737-9 mid-cabin door plug and components"] (Source: NTSB Twitter)
}}

A teenage boy seated in row 25 had his shirt ripped off and blown out of the aircraft; his mother said she had to hold onto him to prevent him being blown out during the decompression.<ref name="AP">{{Cite news |last1=McAvoy |first1=Audrey |last2=Koenig |first2=David |date=January 6, 2024 |title=Federal officials order grounding of some Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners after plane suffers a blowout |url=https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-b522e36ff228b5ea9a89ea13ee24f597 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107210414/https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-b522e36ff228b5ea9a89ea13ee24f597 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gates |first=Dominic |author-link=Dominic Gates |date=January 9, 2024 |title=How a mom fought to save her teen in Boeing jet's blowout |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/when-hole-opened-on-alaska-flight-1282-a-mom-held-tight-to-her-son/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109201931/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/when-hole-opened-on-alaska-flight-1282-a-mom-held-tight-to-her-son/ |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Passengers reported hearing a loud bang followed by the oxygen masks deploying and a large, loud gust of wind.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Costello |first1=Tom |last2=Burke |first2=Minyvonne |last3=Cohen |first3=Rebecca |last4=Blackman |first4=Jay |date=January 8, 2024 |title=A pop, a boom, a big bang: Alaska Airlines passengers describe the moment a piece of the plane fell off |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alaska-airlines-passengers-describe-moment-piece-plane-fell-rcna132650 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107231437/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alaska-airlines-passengers-describe-moment-piece-plane-fell-rcna132650 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> One passenger said that others closer to the opening in the plane were able to move to other seats further away.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Salahieh |first1=Nouran |last2=Afshar |first2=Paradise |last3=Muntean |first3=Pete |last4=Sutton |first4=Joe |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Missing part of Alaska Airlines plane that blew off mid-flight is found, investigators say |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/07/us/alaska-airlines-faa-plug-door-blown-off-sunday/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107110047/https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/07/us/alaska-airlines-faa-plug-door-blown-off-sunday/index.html |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 NTSB 05.jpg|thumb|Interior view from after the accident showing the missing door plug and damaged seats]]
The decompression event caused the cockpit door to fly open and hit the lavatory door, which initially became stuck.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" /> After several attempts, a flight attendant was able to close the cockpit door.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" /> The cockpit door is designed to open in the event of an uncontrolled decompression, but the crew was not aware of this.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-08" /> The laminated Quick Reference Checklist stowed below the cockpit windows was blown into the cabin.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" /> The first officer's headset was pulled off, and the captain's was dislodged.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" />

Interior non-structural damage was observed at rows 1 through 4, 11 and 12, 25 through 27, and 31 through 33, including damage to seat 25A, which lost its headrest and was itself twisted, and seat 26A, which lost its headrest and seatback cushion as well as the tray table on its rear side.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" />

According to flight trackers, the aircraft had climbed to about {{convert|16000|ft|m}} when the accident occurred.<ref name="NYDailyNews">{{Cite news |last=Sanderson |first=Bill |date=January 6, 2024 |orig-date=January 5, 2024 |title=Alaska Airlines door panel blows out at 16,000 feet, forcing Portland landing; NTSB probes |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/01/05/door-panel-blows-out-of-alaska-airlines-jet-at-16000-feet-ntsb-launches-probe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107211104/https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/01/05/door-panel-blows-out-of-alaska-airlines-jet-at-16000-feet-ntsb-launches-probe/ |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |work=[[New York Daily News]]}}</ref> The pilots made an emergency descent to {{Convert|10000|ft}} and returned to Portland,<ref name="APJan9" /><ref name="seattletimeshole" /> where they successfully made an [[emergency landing]] at 5:27&nbsp;pm.<ref name="nyt" /> Firefighters boarded the aircraft to check for injuries among the passengers.<ref name="APJan9">{{Cite news |last1=Spencer |first1=Terry |last2=Rush |first2=Claire |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Twisted metal, rushing wind: A narrowly avoided disaster as jet's wall rips away at 3 miles high |url=https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-0a0378cf2ca6d5567e18d4cda74a0978 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108215020/https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-0a0378cf2ca6d5567e18d4cda74a0978 |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 9, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref>

===Flight data recorder timeline===
At a media briefing on January 8, the NTSB provided the following timeline of key events obtained from the [[Flight recorder|flight data recorder]].<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-08">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGWLBLb9Pm4 |title=NTSB Media Brief – Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (Jan 8) livestream |date=January 8, 2024 |publisher=[[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109042435/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGWLBLb9Pm4 |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report" />

''Times in [[Pacific Time Zone|PST]], January 5, 2024''
* 5:06:47&nbsp;pm – Aircraft departs [[Portland International Airport]] (PDX) from runway 28L
* 5:12:33&nbsp;pm – While passing {{convert|14830|ft|0}}, recorded [[Cabin pressurization|cabin pressure]] drops from {{cvt|14.09|to|11.64|psi}}; "cabin altitude >10,000 feet warning" activates, indicating that the cabin is underpressurized at an altitude greater than {{convert|10000|ft|0}} above sea level; pressurization or [[Emergency oxygen system|supplemental oxygen]] is necessary above that altitude
* 5:12:34&nbsp;pm – [[Engine-indicating and crew-alerting system|Master caution]] activates; cabin pressure continues to drop, recorded at {{cvt|9.08|psi}}
* 5:12:52&nbsp;pm – Master caution deactivated by crew
* 5:13:41&nbsp;pm – Aircraft reaches a maximum altitude of {{convert|16320|ft|0}} and begins to descend
* 5:13:56&nbsp;pm – [[Autopilot]] selected altitude changes from {{convert|23000|to|10,000|ft|0}}
* 5:14:35&nbsp;pm – Master caution activates again for three seconds
* 5:16:56&nbsp;pm – Aircraft begins a left turn, heading north back to PDX
* 5:17:00&nbsp;pm – Aircraft descends below {{convert|10000|ft|0}}
* 5:18:05&nbsp;pm – While passing {{convert|9050|ft|0}}, "cabin altitude >10,000 feet warning" deactivates; cabin pressure recorded at {{cvt|10.48|psi}}
* 5:26:46&nbsp;pm – Aircraft lands back on runway 28L at PDX

== Aftermath ==
Alaska Airlines initially grounded their 737 MAX 9 fleet of 65 in the hours after the accident on January 5.<ref name="seattletimeshole" /> The airline later said that 18 aircraft were ready to return to service on January 6 after determining that those 737 MAX 9s had already had their door plugs inspected "as part of a recent heavy maintenance visit".<ref name="Alaska_Airlines_Statement" /> However, later in the day, on January 6, the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) issued an [[Emergency airworthiness directive|Emergency Airworthiness Directive]] (EAD) that grounded all Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft with a mid-cabin door plug installed, pending a required inspection and corrective actions where required.<ref name="FAA_EAD">{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2024 |title=Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) #: 2024-02-51 |url=https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID122693486620240106201913.0001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108040758/https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID122693486620240106201913.0001 |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 6, 2024 |publisher=[[Federal Aviation Administration]] |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="reutersgrounded" /> Alaska Airlines subsequently removed the 18 aircraft from service following the EAD.<ref name="Alaska_Airlines_Statement" /> The EAD also impacted [[United Airlines]] and [[Copa Airlines]] of Panama, which operate the MAX 9 in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 8, 2024 |title=No passengers seated near site of Alaska Airlines Boeing 737–9 panel blowout avoided potentially 'tragic' incident says Safety Board |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-08/alaska-airline-blow-out-avoided-tragedy/103292076 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107214825/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-01-08/alaska-airline-blow-out-avoided-tragedy/103292076 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)]] |agency=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref name="BBC News">{{Cite news |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Boeing 737 Max 9: Jets to stay grounded as inspections continue |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67907011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107212218/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-67907011 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Turkish Airlines]] of Turkey and [[Lion Air]] of Indonesia also grounded their fleets for inspection.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Indonesia temporarily grounds Boeing 737–9 Max jetliners after Alaska Airlines incident |url=https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-boeing-7379-max-lion-air-b66848a36da9a472e8c0b437b9fb7b42 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110075633/https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-boeing-7379-max-lion-air-b66848a36da9a472e8c0b437b9fb7b42 |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> On January 7, the [[European Union Aviation Safety Agency]] (EASA) adopted the FAA's EAD, though it stated that no airline in its jurisdiction currently operated any MAX 9 aircraft with the door plug configuration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2024 |title=EASA adopts FAA Emergency AD on Boeing 737–9 – no EU operators seen affected |url=https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/news/easa-adopts-faa-emergency-ad-boeing-737-9-no-eu-operators-seen-affected |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107220353/https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/news/easa-adopts-faa-emergency-ad-boeing-737-9-no-eu-operators-seen-affected |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=[[European Union Aviation Safety Agency]]}}</ref>

The cabin door plug was discovered in the backyard of a home in the [[Cedar Mill, Oregon|Cedar Mill]] area, near [[Oregon Route 217]].<ref name="oregonian-2014jan14">{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Aimee |title='Thrust into a waking nightmare': How a hole in Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 terrified its passengers and the flying public |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2024/01/thrust-into-a-waking-nightmare-how-a-hole-in-alaska-airlines-flight-1282-terrified-its-passengers-and-the-flying-public.html |access-date=March 16, 2024 |work=[[The Oregonian]] |date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227063239/https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2024/01/thrust-into-a-waking-nightmare-how-a-hole-in-alaska-airlines-flight-1282-terrified-its-passengers-and-the-flying-public.html |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="KGW-2024jan9">{{cite web |last1=Pierre |first1=Sabinna |last2=Cook |first2=Katherine |title=4 bolts from door plug that blew out on Boeing 737 MAX 9 yet to be found; NTSB officials unsure they 'existed' |publisher=[[KGW]] |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/ntsb-door-plug-alaska-airlines-flight-guide-tracks-fractured-pdx/283-773b6812-5a04-48c5-a376-aef1ac1eb642 |access-date=March 16, 2024 |date=January 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316094341/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/ntsb-door-plug-alaska-airlines-flight-guide-tracks-fractured-pdx/283-773b6812-5a04-48c5-a376-aef1ac1eb642 |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported to the NTSB on January 7.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Marine |first1=Drew |last2=Olson |first2=Karli |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Portland area man finds missing door 'plug' torn from Alaska Airlines flight in backyard |url=https://www.kptv.com/2024/01/08/cedar-hills-man-finds-missing-door-plug-torn-alaska-airlines-flight-backyard/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108060829/https://www.kptv.com/2024/01/08/cedar-hills-man-finds-missing-door-plug-torn-alaska-airlines-flight-backyard/ |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |work=KPTV}}</ref> Two mobile phones from the flight had also been found by members of the public, one in a backyard and the other by a road.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Huileng |last2=Getahun |first2=Hannah |title=People found 2 cellphones from the Alaska Airlines flight that lost a door plug, NTSB says |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-airlines-boeing-flight-blowout-nstb-recovers-cellphones-door-plug-2024-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108092905/https://www.businessinsider.com/alaska-airlines-boeing-flight-blowout-nstb-recovers-cellphones-door-plug-2024-1 |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

On January 11, six passengers filed a [[Class action|class-action]] lawsuit against Boeing, citing injuries to passengers and [[Psychological trauma|emotional trauma]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanyos |first=Faris |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Passengers file class-action lawsuit against Boeing for Alaska Airlines door blowout |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-alaska-airlines-door-blowout-passengers-file-class-action-lawsuit-737-max9/ |access-date=January 12, 2024 |website=CBS News |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112070414/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boeing-alaska-airlines-door-blowout-passengers-file-class-action-lawsuit-737-max9/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Genovese |first=Daniella |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Alaska Airlines passengers sue Boeing for 'waking nightmare' |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/alaska-airlines-passengers-sue-boeing-for-waking-nightmare |access-date=January 12, 2024 |website=[[Fox Business]] |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112213517/https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/alaska-airlines-passengers-sue-boeing-for-waking-nightmare |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 12, Alaska Airlines announced further cancellations through Tuesday, January 16, equating to between 110 and 150 flights per day.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Alaska Airlines |date=January 13, 2024 |title=Information about Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 |url=https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=Alaska Airlines News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106075153/https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 17, Alaska Airlines announced that their maintenance and engineering technicians had completed preliminary inspections of "a group of our 737-9 MAX" planes as requested by the FAA and had provided the data to Boeing and FAA for further analysis and consultation.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Alaska Airlines |date=January 17, 2024 |title=Information about Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 |url=https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Alaska Airlines News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106075153/https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Flight cancellations were extended to Sunday, January 21.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Alaska Airlines |date=January 18, 2024 |title=Information about Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 |url=https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |website=Alaska Airlines News |language=en-US |archive-date=January 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106075153/https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 21, the FAA recommended inspections of door plugs on the [[Boeing 737-900ER]], an earlier non-MAX 737 version that uses the same type of door as the accident airplane. The FAA said inspections should "ensure the door is properly secured." The agency said some operators doing inspections on those aircraft "noted findings with bolts during the maintenance inspections." The FAA said the 737-900ER has 11 million hours of operation and has not had problems with its door plugs. In the United States, Alaska, [[Delta Air Lines|Delta]], and [[United Airlines|United]] fly the 737-900ER.<ref>{{cite web |last1=McMichael |first1=Clara |title=FAA recommends airlines inspect door plugs on another Boeing model |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/faa-recommends-airlines-inspect-door-plugs-boeing-model/story?id=106556063 |website=ABC News |access-date=January 22, 2024 |date=January 21, 2024 |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122045043/https://abcnews.go.com/US/faa-recommends-airlines-inspect-door-plugs-boeing-model/story?id=106556063 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Shepardson |first1=David |title=FAA calls for more Boeing 737 checks after bolt findings |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-faa-recommends-door-plug-checks-boeing-737-900er-jets-2024-01-22/ |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

On January 24, the FAA approved a new inspection process and cleared all 737 MAX 9 aircraft with door plugs to return to service when the inspection is completed successfully for each plane.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Koenig |first=David |date=January 24, 2024 |title=FAA approves inspection process that could clear the way for grounded Boeing planes to fly again |url=https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ceo-congress-senate-hearing-calhoun-cantwell-f83248428fc32b968a5b9192b79d88ff |access-date=January 28, 2024 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=January 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128092354/https://apnews.com/article/boeing-ceo-congress-senate-hearing-calhoun-cantwell-f83248428fc32b968a5b9192b79d88ff |url-status=live}}</ref> Alaska Airlines and United Airlines began returning their 737 MAX 9 planes to service on January 26 and 27, respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=January 27, 2024 |title=Alaska Airlines has begun flying Boeing Max 9 jetliners again and United flies plane on Saturday |url=https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-boeing-max-grounding-safety-8c20ba0a27e7c074d680e143b4683bdc |access-date=January 28, 2024 |work=Associated Press |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127151814/https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-boeing-max-grounding-safety-8c20ba0a27e7c074d680e143b4683bdc |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=January 27, 2024 |title=United Airlines resumes Boeing 737 MAX 9 flights after inspections |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/united-airlines-resumes-boeing-737-max-9-flights-after-inspections-2024-01-27/ |access-date=January 28, 2024 |work=Reuters |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127181515/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/united-airlines-resumes-boeing-737-max-9-flights-after-inspections-2024-01-27/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Alaska Air Group reported in April 2024 that Boeing had paid about {{US$|160 million}} as initial compensation to address the hit from the temporary grounding of 737 MAX 9 jets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 2024 |title=Alaska Air says Boeing paid $160 million in compensation after MAX 9 grounding |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/alaska-air-says-boeing-paid-160-mln-compensation-airline-2024-04-04/ |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref> The compensation package also included allowing Alaska to return the aircraft involved to Boeing, reducing storage and maintenance costs for the airline.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ostrower |first=Jon |date=April 23, 2024 |title=Boeing compensation to Alaska includes custody shift of Flight 1282 jet |url=https://theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatches/boeing-compensation-to-alaska-includes-custody-shift-of-flight-1282-jet/ |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=The Air Current |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ostrower |first=Jon |date=June 28, 2024 |title=Alaska formally returns Flight 1282 737 Max 9 to Boeing |url=https://theaircurrent.com/feed/dispatches/alaska-formally-returns-flight-1282-737-max-9-to-boeing/ |access-date=June 30, 2024 |website=The Air Current |language=en-US}}</ref> Across all MAX 9 customers, Boeing agreed to pay a total of {{US$|443 million}} to compensate them for losses during the grounding.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Isidore |first=Chris |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Boeing to pay $443 million to airlines for its Max 9 grounding as losses and problems mount |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/24/business/boeing-losses/index.html |access-date=April 25, 2024 |work=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref> To bring 737 fuselage construction back in-house, Boeing announced on June 30 that it would buy back Spirit AeroSystems in a {{US$|4.7 billion}} deal expected to close in mid-2025.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 30, 2024 |title=Boeing announces purchase of Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion in stock |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-announces-purchase-of-spirit-aerosystems-for-4-7-billion-in-stock/ |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |access-date=July 1, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hepher |first1=Tim |last2=Tanna |first2=Shivani |last3=Stone |first3=Mike |date=July 2, 2024 |title=Spirit Aero to be broken up as Boeing agrees $4.7 billion stock deal |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/boeing-buy-spirit-aero-47-bln-deal-after-months-talks-2024-07-01/ |access-date=July 2, 2024 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

== Investigation ==
[[File:Alaska 1282 door plug NTSB 02.jpg|thumb|NTSB investigators with the door plug recovered from the backyard of a home in [[Cedar Mill, Oregon]]]]
The [[National Transportation Safety Board]] (NTSB) is conducting an investigation into the accident, led by NTSB Chair [[Jennifer Homendy]]. The FAA, Alaska Airlines, the [[Air Line Pilots Association, International|Air Line Pilots Association]] (the union representing Alaska pilots), the [[Association of Flight Attendants]] (the union representing Alaska flight attendants), Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and the [[International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers]] (the union representing Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems workers) are providing support as members of the investigation party.<ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report" /> The [[United States Department of Justice]] (DOJ) and [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI) have also opened separate criminal investigations into the accident.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-03-11 |title=DOJ Convenes Grand Jury for Criminal Investigation Into Boeing Blowout |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-11/doj-convenes-grand-jury-for-boeing-criminal-probe |access-date=2024-03-12 |work=Bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Alsharif |first1=Mirna |last2=Cradduck |first2=Josh |date=2024-03-22 |title=Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 passengers receive FBI letter identifying them as the victims of a possible crime |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/passengers-alaska-airlines-1282-flight-receive-letter-fbi-identifying-rcna144620 |access-date=2024-03-24 |work=NBC News}}</ref>

The aircraft involved in the accident had its [[cabin pressurization]] "AUTO FAIL" [[Engine-indicating and crew-alerting system|indicator]] illuminated on three previous occasions – on December 7, January 3 (in flight), and January 4 (after landing). This indicates that the primary automatic cabin pressurization controller was disabled by a fault condition, which can be caused by a problem with the controller itself, one of the valves it controls, an excessive pressure differential, an excessive rate of cabin pressure change, or a high cabin altitude. When a fault is detected, pressurization control automatically transfers to an alternate automatic controller. The "AUTO FAIL" indicator alerts the crew to this change, but no intervention is prescribed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AUTO FAIL or Unscheduled Pressurization Change |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/460359479/AUTO-FAIL |access-date=January 16, 2024 |website=Scribd |language=en |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116005508/https://www.scribd.com/document/460359479/AUTO-FAIL |url-status=live}}</ref> On each occasion of a fault, the alternate controller was used, and flights proceeded normally.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jeO5fwRXLo |title=NTSB Media Brief – Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (Jan 7) livestream |date=January 7, 2024 |publisher=[[National Transportation Safety Board]] |access-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108013719/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jeO5fwRXLo |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, due to the faults, Alaska Airlines had restricted the aircraft from operating extended overwater flights (under [[ETOPS]] rules) until a detailed maintenance inspection could occur.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" /> It is not yet known if the indicator warning is related to the accident; the NTSB investigation will include the issue.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" />

[[File:NTSB Briefing for ASA1282.jpg|thumb|January 8, 2024: [[National Transportation Safety Board|NTSB]] Chair [[Jennifer Homendy]] briefing the media in [[Portland, Oregon]], on the NTSB investigation involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282]]
The [[cockpit voice recorder]] (CVR) was overwritten after the accident. The CVR on the aircraft records a two-hour loop, and the [[circuit breaker]] in the cockpit was not pulled to stop the recording after the aircraft landed.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-07" /> NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy subsequently called for extending capacity to 25 hours, rather than the currently mandated two hours, on all new and existing aircraft. If implemented, the new rule will align with [[International Civil Aviation Organization]] (ICAO) and [[European Union Aviation Safety Agency]]'s (EASA) current regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Villamizar |first=Helwing |date=January 8, 2024 |title=No Data on Flight 1282 Cockpit Voice Recorder, NTSB Calls out FAA |url=https://airwaysmag.com/no-data-1282-cockpit-recorder-ntsb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108100342/https://airwaysmag.com/no-data-1282-cockpit-recorder-ntsb/ |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Airways |language=en-US}}</ref>

On January 8, United Airlines stated they had found loose bolts during inspections on an undisclosed number of grounded aircraft.<ref name="LooseABC">{{Cite web |last1=Sweeney |first1=Sam |last2=Hutchinson |first2=Bill |date=January 9, 2024 |title=United finds loose bolts on 737 Max 9 planes in wake of Alaska Airlines door plug incident |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/united-finds-loose-bolts-737-max-9-planes/story?id=106204513 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108222822/https://abcnews.go.com/US/united-finds-loose-bolts-737-max-9-planes/story?id=106204513 |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |access-date=January 9, 2024 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref> Alaska Airlines also announced their inspections had found loose bolts on "many" aircraft.<ref name="LooseABC" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Costello |first1=Tom |author-link=Tom Costello (journalist) |last2=Wile |first2=Rob |date=January 23, 2024 |title=Alaska Airlines CEO: We found 'many' loose bolts on our Max 9 planes following near-disaster |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/alaska-airlines-found-more-loose-bolts-boeing-737-max-9-ceo-says-rcna135316 |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=[[NBC News]] |language=en |archive-date=January 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123221359/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/alaska-airlines-found-more-loose-bolts-boeing-737-max-9-ceo-says-rcna135316 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 9, Boeing's president and CEO, [[Dave Calhoun]] acknowledged the company's mistake in a company-wide meeting on safety and transparency following this accident. The company pledged for full transparency and cooperation in the investigation with the NTSB and FAA.<ref>{{Cite web |title=737-9 Updates |url=https://www.boeing.com/737-9-updates/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |publisher=Boeing |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304053729/https://www.boeing.com/737-9-updates#updates |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorbecke |first=Catherine |date=January 9, 2024 |title=Boeing CEO acknowledges 'mistake' related to terrifying Alaska Airlines flight |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/09/business/boeing-safety-meeting-737-max-factory/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=CNN Business |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110001124/https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/09/business/boeing-safety-meeting-737-max-factory/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[CNBC]] on January 10, Dave Calhoun described it as a [[quality control]] issue and said that a "quality escape" had occurred.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2024 |title=CNBC Exclusive: CNBC Transcript: Boeing President & CEO David Calhoun Speaks with CNBC's 'The Exchange' Today |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/10/cnbc-exclusive-cnbc-transcript-boeing-president-ceo-david-calhoun-speaks-with-cnbcs-the-exchange-today.html |access-date=January 11, 2024 |website=CNBC |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110194352/https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/10/cnbc-exclusive-cnbc-transcript-boeing-president-ceo-david-calhoun-speaks-with-cnbcs-the-exchange-today.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Also on January 10, the FAA notified Boeing that it was under investigation for "alleged noncompliance" with regulations relating to new aircraft inspection and testing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hemmerdinger |first1=Jon |title=FAA focuses 737 Max 9 investigation on 'non-compliance' by Boeing |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/faa-focuses-737-max-9-investigation-on-non-compliance-by-boeing/156458.article |work=Flight Global |date=January 11, 2024 |language=en |access-date=January 12, 2024 |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111194254/https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/faa-focuses-737-max-9-investigation-on-non-compliance-by-boeing/156458.article |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Alaska Airlines door plug inspected at NTSB lab.jpg|thumb|NTSB staff examine the door plug in the NTSB materials laboratory]]
The NTSB's initial assessment found that the stop pads and fittings of the door plug and frame were intact, and that the plug had moved upwards to clear the pads to enable its ejection from the aircraft.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-08" /> The upper guide fittings on the door plug were found to be fractured.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-08" /> Investigation on the status of the retention bolts designed to prevent the door plug from moving upwards is ongoing. By design, four retention bolts should be present. Homendy said the bolts were not on the door plug when it was found. She said investigators are trying to determine if the bolts were never installed or if they were torn off when the door plug blew out.<ref name="Chokshi Walker 2024 l483">{{cite web |last1=Chokshi |first1=Niraj |last2=Walker |first2=Mark |title=Panel on Boeing Plane May Not Have Been Properly Attached, Agency Says |website=The New York Times |date=January 8, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/business/boeing-max-9-alaska-airlines.html |access-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124042139/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/business/boeing-max-9-alaska-airlines.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The NTSB will also examine [[wiktionary: witness mark|witness marks]] using microscopes and other scientific equipment.<ref name="NTSB_Briefing_2024-01-08" />

On January 15, in a message to employees, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal announced "immediate" actions the company is taking to bolster quality assurance and controls in 737 production: planning more quality inspections, planning more team sessions on quality, Boeing review of Spirit AeroSystems work, airline oversight inspections and independent assessment by outside party on Boeing's quality management system.{{update needed|reason=What effect have these actions had?|date=August 2024}} These actions are separate from the FAA's investigation and the agency's plan to increase oversight of 737–9 production.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boeing: 737–9 Updates: Boeing announces immediate actions to strengthen quality |url=https://www.boeing.com/737-9-updates/jan-15-2024-boeing-announces-immediate-actions-to-strengthen-quality.page |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=www.boeing.com |archive-date=January 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117222935/https://www.boeing.com/737-9-updates/jan-15-2024-boeing-announces-immediate-actions-to-strengthen-quality.page |url-status=live}}</ref>

The NTSB released a preliminary report on the accident on February 6, which said that the damage patterns on the door plug indicated that the four bolts, intended to secure the door plug, had been missing when the accident occurred. They also reviewed Boeing records that showed evidence that the plug had been installed with no bolts.<ref name="NTSB Preliminary Report">{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2024 |title=Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Documents/DCA24MA063%20Preliminary%20report.pdf |access-date=February 6, 2024 |website=[[National Transportation Safety Board]] |id=DCA24MA063 |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206194507/https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Documents/DCA24MA063%20Preliminary%20report.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

The NTSB held an investigative hearing on the accident on August 6-7.<ref name="NTSB_Press_Release_2024-03-12">{{Cite press release |title=NTSB Schedules Investigative Hearing on Boeing 737-9 MAX Door Plug Blowout |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20240312.aspx |access-date=2024-03-13 |date=2024-03-12 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Maile |first1=Amanda |last2=Deliso |first2=Meredith |date=2024-03-12 |title=NTSB to hold investigative hearing on Alaska Airlines door plug incident |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/ntsb-investigative-hearing-alaska-air-door-plug-incident/story?id=108062687 |access-date=2024-03-13 |work=ABC News}}</ref> On March 13, NTSB chairman Homendy stated in a letter to Congress that security footage of the aircraft's door plug installation back in September had been overwritten.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=2024-03-13 |title=US investigators say video footage overwritten of work on Boeing jet's door plug |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ntsb-says-video-footage-boeing-737-max-9-door-plug-removal-overwritten-2024-03-13/ |access-date=2024-03-13 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-13 |title=Letter to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on Boeing 737-9MAX Door Plug Blowout |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/Documents/Letter%20to%20Senate%20Committee%20on%20Commerce,%20Science%20&%20Transportation%20on%20Boeing%20737-9%20MAX%20Door%20Plug%20Blowout.pdf |access-date=2024-03-17 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref> Boeing responded that this was standard practice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Andrew |date=2024-03-13 |title=Missing Boeing repair footage stymies Alaska Airlines blowout investigation |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/03/13/boeing-video-footage-overwrite-erased-door-plug-alaska |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Axios}}</ref>

After Boeing revealed privileged information about the investigation to journalists during a meeting on June 25, along with analysis of the facts, the NTSB stopped sharing information with the company.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Boeing Sanctioned for Sharing Non-Public Investigative Information With Media on 737 Max 9 Door Plug Investigation |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/NR20240627.aspx |access-date=2024-08-03 |date=2024-06-27 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ostrower |first1=Jon |last2=Head |first2=Elan |last3=Guisbond |first3=Will |date=2024-06-27 |title=NTSB sanctions Boeing for sharing unauthorized Alaska 1282 information during pre-air show briefing |url=https://theaircurrent.com/aviation-safety/ntsb-sanctions-boeing-for-sharing-unauthorized-alaska-1282-information-during-media-briefing/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=The Air Current |language=en-US}}</ref>

The NTSB released their investigation docket and held a public hearing on August 6.<ref name="avherald" /><ref>{{cite news
 |title=Inside Boeing's factory lapses that led to the Alaska Air blowout
 |first1=Dominic |last1=Gates |author-link1=Dominic Gates |first2=Paige |last2=Cornwell
 |date=25 August 2024
 |journal=[[The Seattle Times]]
 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/inside-boeings-factory-lapses-that-led-to-alaska-air-blowout/
 |quote=The following detailed account{{nbsp}}... is compiled from the transcripts of federal investigators’ interviews of a dozen Boeing workers, synchronized with an internal Boeing document obtained by The Seattle Times that tracked day-by-day the rework that led to the door plug lapses.
}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Boeing 737 MAX groundings]]
* [[Boeing manufacturing issues]]
* [[John Barnett (whistleblower)]]
* [[List of accidents and incidents involving the Boeing 737]]
* Similar accidents and incidents:
** [[British Airways Flight 5390]] (windscreen failure due to use of undersized bolts leading to uncontrolled decompression, two injuries), 1990
** [[American Airlines Flight 96]] (cargo door failure due to design flaw leading to uncontrolled decompression, eleven injuries), 1972
** [[Turkish Airlines Flight 981]] (cargo door failure due to design flaw leading to uncontrolled decompression, all 346 aboard killed), 1974
** [[United Airlines Flight 811]] (cargo door failure due to design flaw leading to uncontrolled decompression, nine passengers ejected and killed), 1989
** [[Sichuan Airlines Flight 8633]] (windscreen failure due to a leaking seal leading to uncontrolled decompression, two injuries), 2018

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{External media|float=right|video1={{YouTube |id=kGWLBLb9Pm4 |title= NTSB Media Brief: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (Jan 8, 2024)}}|video2={{YouTube |id=o7Pfj8G7Rdg |title= NTSB Media Brief: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (Jan 7, 2024 Update)}}|video3={{YouTube |id=0jeO5fwRXLo |title= NTSB Media Brief: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (Jan 7, 2024)}}|video4={{YouTube |id=RAO3F7eVZyY |title=NTSB Media Brief: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (Jan 6, 2024)}}|video5={{YouTube |id=QoiGuuGZPNc |title=NTSB B-Roll: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737–9 MAX}}}}
* [https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA24MA063.aspx NTSB Investigation Docket No. DCA24MA063: In-flight structural failure, Alaska Airlines flight 1282]
* [https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/?NTSBNumber=DCA24MA063 Full NTSB docket]
* [https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Documents/DCA24MA063%20Preliminary%20report.pdf NTSB Preliminary Report]
* [https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/updates-grounding-boeing-737-max-9-aircraft Updates on Grounding of Boeing 737 MAX 9 Aircraft] (FAA website)
* [https://www.boeing.com/737-9-updates/index.page Boeing 737–9 Updates] (Boeing website)
* [https://news.alaskaair.com/alaska-airlines/operations/as-1282/ Information About Alaska Airlines Flight 1282] (Alaska Airlines website)
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/ntsb/albums/72177720313904488/with/53450656285 Images from the NTSB investigation] (NTSB official [[Flickr]] account)
* [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/18/2024-00993/airworthiness-directives-the-boeing-company-airplanes FAA Airworthiness Directive] (Federal Register website)
* [https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/SAFO737900ER.pdf FAA Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO 24001)] (FAA document)

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