The U.S. federal aviation agency is reviewing a recent event involving a commercial flight after media outlets published images suggesting a fuselage panel and windows separated from the aircraft during flight. The incident occurred as the airplane landed safely at Portland International Airport.
Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 returned to Portland International Airport following a pressure concern reported by the crew. The flight had been en route to Ontario International Airport in California when the issue arose.
Images circulated by various outlets show a body panel and windows appearing to detach shortly after takeoff. Eyewitness accounts quoted by major networks describe the fuselage seemingly giving way as the aircraft gained altitude, with the crew and passengers appearing to rely on their oxygen systems before a safe landing was achieved.
Social media footage captured a moment of the aircraft amid the early flight phase as it traveled with about 171 passengers and six crew members. The flight duration after leaving Portland was brief, roughly 35 minutes, before the landing at the origin airport.
The Alaska Airlines team announced on X that the company has grounded its 65 Boeing 737-9 airplanes. Each aircraft will undergo full maintenance checks and safety inspections before returning to service. The airline also said it is collaborating with Boeing and regulators to determine the cause of the event and to share further updates as they become available.
According to Alaska Airlines, Flight 1282 departed Portland, Oregon, bound for Ontario, California, and landed safely back at Portland International Airport with all guests and crew accounted for. The company emphasized that guest and employee safety remains the top priority and that while such events are uncommon, flight crews are trained to handle them and to protect everyone on board. Investigations are ongoing, and more information will be released when it is ready.
Boeing acknowledged awareness of the incident and stated that it is working to gather details in coordination with the customer airline. Boeing’s technical team is prepared to support the investigation as needed.