Alaska Airlines flight successfully lands in Portland following window incident

A passenger plane had to make an emergency landing in Oregon after losing a section of its fuselage mid-air. The Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 was en route to California when an outer section, including a window, fell off. The US Federal Aviation Agency stated that the plane returned safely after the crew reported a pressurization issue. There were 177 passengers and crew members on board. Boeing acknowledged the incident and said it was gathering more information. Flight tracking data indicated that the plane was at an altitude of over 16,000 feet when it initiated the emergency descent. Images showed the night sky visible through a gap in the fuselage, as well as debris and insulation. The affected section was located at the back third of the aircraft, behind the wing and engines. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident. The Boeing 737 Max has faced extensive scrutiny following safety concerns and previous crashes. The aircraft type was grounded in 2019 after two crashes with similar circumstances resulted in fatalities. The Max planes have since undergone modifications before returning to service. Boeing recently resolved a supply error that delayed deliveries of the 737 Max planes. It is estimated that around 1,300 of these aircraft have been delivered. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also urged airlines to inspect Max models for possible loose bolts in rudder control systems.