Episode 117: Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 Loses Its Exit Door Plug Just After Takeoff
On January 5, 2024, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 was taking off from Portland (PDX) and headed for Ontario (ONT). Everything was routine, until just after takeoff at 16,000' into the ascent, the exit row plug separated from the rest of the airplane.
The crew was able to do a loop and land the airplane back at Portland Airport safely.
There were 171 passengers and six crew members onboard. There were zero fatalities.