Alaska Airlines 'trip from hell': How it happened | About That

A door plug on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 flew off at a little under 5,000 metres creating a gaping hole in the side of the Boeing 737-9 Max. Andrew Chang runs through what happened moment by moment as the plane made an emergency landing.
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[@joshuaellingham7055]

I really love these "About That" videos. Andrew chang does a great job explaining things to laymen like myself.

[@carlyar5281]

As someone who used to work in the aerospace industry, I can say that Andrew did an excellent job of explaining the subject.

[@agmc88]

Yes agree...Andrew does it best always 💯

[@paulineullman6728]

Whats her name?? 177 people is Alive because of her

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

As a former stewardess, I can tell you this was a miracle. I greatly admire those flight attendants and the crew. It also sounds like the passengers coped 😮admirably.

[@chriscambell7988]

Hats off to the entire crew! Everyone, Please respect your flight crews on any airline trip. They need to be also given “a care giver status ” for what they have to endure sometimes. But if that plane goes down? They are a front line for a chance to survive. Many a flight crew on planes have lost their lives to save others.

[@thatsmuzik2570]

What saved this flight was they were at 15,000 feet if they have been at 35,000 ft. at higher speed, things would’ve been absolutely disastrous.

[@adrianwright8685]

Yes indeed, that guy in Oregon might have found something more interesting in his back garden!!

[@KarlenBell]

So basically what he said at 7:42 😂

[@thatsmuzik2570]

@@KarlenBell Yes, and he’s not the only one that said that. There’s several videos on this topic and I heard it on another video first.

[@KarlenBell]

@@thatsmuzik2570 But you repeating it didn't add any value to what he already said, so I had to point it out 😂

[@thatsmuzik2570]

@@KarlenBell You do you.

[@markdc1145]

The "torqued" seat back and missing seat parts are most likely a result of violent side panel deformation as it got sucked through the gaping hole. The side panel (with window) is actually larger than the plug hole and the sharp edges of the side panel grabbed at the seats. Also lucky that this didn't cause any injuries.

[@FQR74]

My understanding also is that modern jetliners have decompression blow-out panels positioned at certain points in the cabin. When an explosive decompression happens then these panels release to the outside air so that the escaping atmosphere is equalised throughout the cabin and not rushing out at one single point, which can cause further structural damage. The Southwest 737 that had a decompression event at 32.000 feet a few years back I think survived because blow out panels “softened” the force of escaping atmosphere around a single egress point. So, all hail to the little known decompression blow out panel!

[@Fred-O-86]

First time I saw this it immediately reminded me of the Aloha 737 that had a huge part of it's fuselage blown out on a trip to Hawaii. Luckily for this Max 9 it wasn't metal fatigue or cracks that caused the problem and no one is dead or seriously injured.

[@user-yv4mm6bx3c]

I remember seeing some movie on that when I was little. I couldnt remember what it was called. Scared the hell out of me.

[@tiladx]

Earlier today, the NTSB Chair shared at a press conference that Boeing designed the flight deck door to open during rapid depressurization, but that NTSB and the flight crew were unaware of that.

[@VanillaMacaron551]

Well it's about time Boeing started sharing everything about the operation of its planes, after the previous MCAS issue, isn't it?

[@ellentronicmistress4969]

Am wondering what else they neglected to include in the manual.

[@tommyrjensen]

It was not actually "so powerful that the cockpit door flew open". It is constructed to open when depressurization is detected. You do not want to see an accident like Helios in Greece, where the pilots get unconscious from hypoxia and you cannot get to them because of a secured closed cockpit door.

[@VanillaMacaron551]

Oh wow. Thank you for the explanation. The only thing that will make this any better for all of us over time is good-quality information.

[@Royan1900]

I don't know if that's true but it sure as hell makes sense 👍👍

[@wally7856]

Yes but this "feature" is not disclosed in the flight manual as it should be.

[@simashakeri95]

@@Royan1900 It's true! On a lot of other planes it's panels in the cockpit doors, not the entire door itself, and it's more to equalize the pressure in the entire plane so that the structure stabilizes - that's what they were expecting these doors to do too, but for whatever reason Boeing designed them to completely open instead (and then didn't share that information).

[@simashakeri95]

They're called blowout panels if anyone was curious and wanted to read up themselves.

[@ritzismynamo]

How terrifying and even more when I read that it was a flight from Portland Oregon to Ontario. My 10 year old daughter flys between Portland Oregon and California (Ontario, John wayne and LAX airports) multiple times a year as an unaccompanied minor with Alaska Airlines. Now I'm so scared to let her fly alone and not being able to comfort her if something this scary happened. I feel so bad for all the kids on board but much more for the 4 littles that were flying alone and not knowing anyone on board. I cant imagine how terrying this must of been for them. I'm so glad everyone was safe ❤

[@ResizeFilms]

Unbelievable. Those problems on brand new Boeing aircraft’s just keep coming, it’s scary. It’s not an anomaly, it’s a production problem deeply embedded within the quality control culture which is totally unacceptable for a company selling aircrafts.

[@ratratrat59]

Excellent journalism and correct use of "door plug". Refreshing!

[@bgregg55]

Alaska offered all the passengers a fare refund & $1500. Bit of an insult.

[@jayenga22]

That's more then Boeing is doing for these passengers though.

[@Gojira176]

They're also reimbursing every passenger (whose flight is cancelled due to this incident) for their meals, stays, Ubers, hotel meals and basic toiletries (that's thousands of people, each getting around $1,000 each). Agreed that $1,500 is not enough but this was is no way their fault. Alaska is doing a great job, it's Boeing that is the culprit here

[@GH-oi2jf]

I think it’s generous. If you have losses greater than that, you have to file a claim. That’s fair.

[@matelanmungal9807]

Physical and emotional compensation for crew and passengers

[@matelanmungal9807]

What next to fall maybe an engine or wing or tail or the main door panel

[@melicah2479]

they offered $1500 to each customer. sueeeeeeeeee

[@John-nc4bl]

Check this KZbin video. 'Not a good thing': Boeing whistleblower reacts to Alaska Airlines mid-flight incident At 8.53 into the video, he is saying that the company has been removing quality control inspections. More than likely this is contributing to the 'sloppy' workmanship going out the door. Some airlines are going down this road by removing Independent Quality Control Inspectors , (those individuals independent from production). So QC is being 'watered down' at Boeing and also some airlines.

[@bgregg55]

That particular aircraft went to Hawaii 22 times before this event.

[@salvadorcoling8403]

Those passengers were very lucky because the the number of cycles that particular plane was supposed to blowout had not been reached.

[@Kylefassbinderful]

I'm glad no one lost their life. I'll feel a bit safer flying now because airlines are probably gonna go back and examine their fleets.

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

Good job of explaining the situation without fear tactics that many news organizations use.

[@e.liza_kb]

absolutely terrifying. this could have been so tragic....

[@topofthegreen]

If it’s Boeing,I’m not going!

[@dotter8]

I heard -- *cannot confirm* -- that it was a very new plane, only manufactured in November 2023. That would point strongly towards a manufacturing defect if it's true. (imho)

[@ellentronicmistress4969]

You're right. Recently delivered.

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

Air pressure at 16,000 feet is only HALF air pressure at sea level.

[@yvonnebrown7096]

Wow...sometimes it takes incidents like this for more checks to prevent further disasters. Wake up call.

[@AllisonMcCormickAMPM]

Excellent report. Thank you.

[@filthywings353]

The card at the end has a recurring spelling error when it comes to Aviation terminology. “Aircrafts” It’s supposed to be spelled the same way as its singular form. “Aircraft”

[@johannesnicolaas]

New slogan for Boeing: Fly into space, total experience....

[@Ken_Kelle]

Such a comprehensive analysis. Thank you.

[@RubyMelodyMusic]

This was such a good compilation of imprison regarding this incident. Thank you

[@Messpinoza80]

Well…that would be an end to my days of flying on a plane ✌🏻

[@POUNCEMAN1]

With the hundreds of videos about this flight ,, your video is the best ,, cheer's

[@hamidb83]

FAA should mandate Dave Calhoun and all the executives at Boeing take a random Boeing flight on a random Boeing plane everyday for the next 5 years. Then we will see how many planes they will voluntarily ground.

[@alicestewart5453]

The flight attendants should get a reward for their hard work and I’m sure their nerves will rattle they should be rewarded with a sum of money so they can go out and enjoy a dinner or anything else they need to do

[@jdb4life]

Very well explained.

[@higherperspective1756]

If they had been higher and out of their seat belts , likely some ppl would've been sucked right out of the plane . It happened to a woman a few years ago on an Asian commercial flight , I believe , when the window next to her seat blew out .

[@Ottos_ScLm_Race_videos_2009_on]

Upper roller guide. If it doesn't have a bolt door can move up and out.

[@19king14]

Great and informative videos1 Only the advertisements are LOUD!

[@thesimpleeastern]

Time to pay close attention to emergency pre-takeoff instructions lol

[@PatchsOhulahan]

If that would have hit the back rudder or stabilizer not good

[@dianelawani6004]

I used to love getting a window seat now idk about that 😢

[@keithschipiour4684]

Boeing did a great job added new skydiving mode to aircraft.

[@raldien]

2:25 John Cox... my favorite expert in mayday /ACI series...

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Flight 261, year 2000, all died. Alaska Air did not check nor grease the T-tail jackscrew, so it failed. I would never fly that airline. Now it is being said, they had been working on that area, installing Wi-Fi. So there you go! No bolts put back in, allowed to fly. Pressurization warning light went off x 3, root cause never fixed. They not want to let plane sit, as it would cost them money.

[@ericlaw4759]

This video is very useful and easy to understand

[@jeweljamesjapay]

The door plug flew out and up, if it had hit the horizontal stabilizer and elevator, we would have a different story too.

[@GH-oi2jf]

Not likely “up.” Where did you get that?

[@KevinDShort]

What altitude? Wrong altitude pressure control more likely than faulty door.. weakest link gives

[@JoeBIgLotto]

When I think of Max planes reminds me of Killer Orcas 🐬 at sea World 😂

[@RUHappyATM]

"loose bolts" and "installation issues". Boeing must be shiteing itself now.

[@KevinDShort]

Sounds like pressurized pressures didn't match, weakest, link gave out.

[@DougGrinbergs]

4:43 more like you're now atop Colorado high peak 6:40 NTSB: flight time: 20:06 17:06:40-17:26:46

[@wildandbarefoot]

They'd been having depressurisation warnings for two days. And still took off.

[@marcymccann901]

This is very dangerous for the flight crew members! The aircraft needs to land safely with the Pilots still in healthy conditions...

[@KevinDShort]

Check pressure regulating system

[@ezragonzalez8936]

The cockpit door on a 737 max 9 is designed to open during a depressurization incident! Not the cause

[@2760ade]

Except no-one ever bothered to tell the pilots this! Must have freaked them out massively on top of the sudden bang!!

[@eddieconner9152]

The "MAX" just can't win

[@Nkflyguy21]

Passenger Oxygen Systems only last about 15 minutes.

[@GH-oi2jf]

That’s why the pilots have to get down to 10,000.

[@AmericanViking]

So the plane was at 16,000 feet. So if you descended at 1000 feet per minute which is slow. It would take 6 minutes to reach 10,000 feet.

[@BrianHughesCEO]

The air was actually hot, no AC....

[@flyguille]

It has wrong factual information, the descompresion happens 14ish feets, the pilots stops the climb at 16ish feets they used that time for put masks on.

[@flyguille]

Source NTSB

[@yegfreethinker]

Well looks like the investors are finally lost patience then maybe there may be some hope for us yet. Boeing deserves to take a shellacking because of this lack of safety standards in recent years. If you can't pay the piper don't ask him to play you a tune!

[@joeguzman3558]

The question is, what other issues are going on in planes today

[@mihai-bogdandanciu2912]

Since it landed safely, I suppose it's fine to say... Hi Jack time was on your side.

[@thatsmuzik2570]

It has happened. All you have to do is watch some of the planes that crashed in recent years and people have got sucked out.

[@PaulB-17]

Anyone, Industry.. company .. journalist, please ask / answer the question, "Were the 2 seats in the row of three inline / next to the exit / plug on the seat allocation system blocked from being allocated prior to boarding? This should be easy to trace and the question WHY asked!

[@jaakkooksa5374]

Why isn't the door plug designed so that it can only open inside the plane, not outside?

[@andrepoiy1199]

It's never supposed to open

[@VanillaMacaron551]

Exactement! In a true "plug" design.

[@VanillaMacaron551]

@@andrepoiy1199 They allegedly open them during heavy maintenance, reconfiguration and overhauls to make it easier to get seat rows and other large items in and out etc.

[@GH-oi2jf]

It plugs a doorway designed for an emergency exit door, so must use the system designed for that door. The Emergency exit door must be easy to operate quickly in order to evacuate the aircraft quickly.

[@BriansRamblings]

The only reason the movie version did NOT happen because they were not at cruise.

[@chriscambell7988]

They deserve a LOT of respect.

[@nancyp2992]

It was shortly into the flight and were still all buckled in their seats

[@lambertax]

Bad explanation of the door fit. You should be more accurate about how the plug is installed. Hypoxia was not at all the risk on this flight at that height. 16 thousand feet is nothing to get to 10 thousand feet.

[@makedredd299]

#Boeing 2024 ✈️ ⚰️ 🌹 📉 “It could’ve been worse, the stock could’ve fallen by 50%.”

[@PatHand-og9yd]

One helluva reason to keep your seatbelt fastened most of the time!!!!!!!!

[@biswajit07]

I don't get it. I know it's not possible for a door to open mid flight (at cruising altitude or above 10,000ft and as I can see this one was at 16,000 feet) because the cabins are pressurized (so because of the high pressure diff, the doors cannot be opened at any cost) and the general rule is that planes should have cabin pressurization when they go above 10,000 to 14,000 feet... So, how did this one blew off just like that so easily?

[@AmericanViking]

Do you want the long explanation. Airliners are generally pressurized for 8000 ft. Once the plane starts climbing the body is pressurized. You are correct that the doors are held in by pressure, But also a locking mechanism. The door in question does not have the same kind of locking mechanism. It was not designed to be open regularly. Not yet proven, but it would appear someone did not properly install the door. As the plane flies and vibrates the contact points called stop pads can slide past each other because of improper installation until the door blows out. Quick guess calculation from what I have heard. At that point in the flight there is about a 2 lbs per square inch difference from inside to outside. If the door is say 5 feet tall by 25 inches wide thats about 1500 sq in. So the door has about 3000 or so pounds trying to push it out of the opening. A little shaking and fuselage twisting on a mount that is already compromised and bang out flies the door. Other recommendation Watch Blancolirio channel on KZbin. 777 pilot does a very good job of reporting the facts and explaining what happens.

[@chrthewrestler2301]

made in usa. :)

[@user-do9uq7eq9f]

No bolts no hold

[@raybod1775]

Why didn’t Alaska Airlines have the plane take flight and have a technician walk around with a sound sensor to find air leak after it was first reported?

[@SpaceJazz3K]

How could air rush out while also rushing in? Decreased pressure will drop temperature quickly and there are some basic equations to show that. Seems like some questionable logic being used in the story.

[@sugerbear6544]

4 of spades... 4 of spades... 4 of spades

[@stephanied.k.3589]

Just install the emergency exit door where it was designed to be and give up the profits that those extra 4 seat are getting you and move on.

[@FransBlaas1]

Lucky it was still at a low altitude and that that door did not hit a wing…. Though quality assurance seems to suck at Boeing… unacceptable.. and life threatening…

[@tommygun80127]

Its a good thing the plane wasn't at cruising altitude when flight attendants are serving drinks. What if there was a passenger in any one of the 3 seats at the time the door blew off? Could anyone have survived?

[@GH-oi2jf]

It wasn’t a “disaster,” fortunately.

[@ffrich34]

Can’t wait for the movie to come out. With overly dramatic reenactments, some made up love story,…

[@MohammedAliprofile]

We need the Tesla haters that look at panel gaps to start reviewing Max 9s. They'll find dozens of problems

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

Actually, and yes I started this with the word actually, this is not the trip from hell on Alaska Airlines. There hopefully will never be a question as to which flight on Alaska Airlines was truly the flight from hell.

[@ashergoney]

Plane The Same Planet. Passenger And Passerby Like Sands In Time..

[@saywhat8966]

1997 Boeing merger with McDonnell Douglas.

[@Kamalknt92]

Where's that door? In the sea?

[@hermanschweizer9717]

I still would call it number 3 disaster for the Max !!

[@twilightrhapsodist]

Well I’ll just never fly again thanks. 😫

[@bobwilson758]

Co pilot should have reported : mayday …. Explosive decompression ! Don’t they teach that ?

[@Komputar]

*Because of the altitude, it was too low*

[@louiss1625]

stop acting like you're not reading from a script

[@user-tc3fd7nc2k]

Midair blowout sounds what happens in the crapper after a week in Mexico 😊

[@alexithymia9337]

Hello from Orgeon! :52

[@user-hj9fh7rs2d]

Why no One of the Authority's said THANK YOU GOD ALMIGHTY it is only Divine Mercy that the plane landed with everyone Safe and in SOUND Mind

[@northernsamba7388]

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Some one found the bolts after the assembler went on lunch, came back and lost them. Alas the plane left without them on board, then the door decides to deplane at 16,000 feet. They did their best, no one else departed on the flight. Its nothing, nothing, Hallelujah!

[@kopynd1]

26 a ok al remember that when a book a seat on the plane,

[@michaelman9358]

Jesus... talk abt sensationalizing. It's 10,000 ft, it's not THAT scary. It doesn't require pressurization, and air is breathable. The perfect example would be like jogging in the winter while wearing a N92 mask... matter of fact the entire population of Tibet and Nepal lives at higher altitute. As long as you have seatbelt on and oxygen masks, its not like the plane was above 15,000ft.

[@jesuiscon2004]

If it's Boeing, start praying...

[@salvadorcoling8403]

The blowout happened at 16,000 feet, what would be the result if the blowout happened at 25,000-35,000 feet? Think properly people.

[@badddkattt]

My understanding is they had managed to reach that altitude that the pressure differential would have locked the door in place.

[@salvadorcoling8403]

It failed. The biggest question is how big will the explosion or blowout at the height I have mentioned. Obviously, the locking mechanism fails, fortunately the blowout was around 16,000 feet.

[@asinelliplatamona8348]

APPALLING -

[@Anon1mous]

Meet the country's newest millionaires!