The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a team to investigate an Alaska Airlines flight that exploded mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing.
“The NTSB has launched a Go Team in Portland, Oregon to investigate the incident on board a Boeing 737-9 MAX during a flight from Portland to Ontario, California.” announced by the agency X Saturday morning.
“The team is expected to arrive on scene later today and is comprised of structural, operational, and systems experts. Commissioner Jennifer Homendy will serve as the on-site spokesperson,” the NTSB post added.
The Alaska Airlines flight took off from Portland International Airport around 4:52 p.m. local time on Friday, but reversed course a short time later.
Alaska Airlines later said in a statement that an “accident occurred” on the plane, which was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members, but provided no further information.
Passengers said their mobile phones and other belongings were sucked out through a hole in the side of the cabin.
A witness told KPTV that one child was held down in a seat by his mother to prevent him from being separated.
