Two years ago today, a side door plug of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft blew off shortly after the Alaska Airlines flight took off from Portland, Oregon heading to Ontario, California. Now, the plane’s captain is suing Boeing for $10 million in damages.
The cabin experienced “rapid depressurization” after the blowout, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Some passengers lost items that were sucked out when the panel flew off.
All MAX 9 planes were grounded after the incident, which has cost Boeing billions in legal fees and safety overhauls.
The NTSB determined after an investigation that the incident was caused by Boeing’s “failure to provide adequate training, guidance, and oversight.” Its report also concluded that Boeing’s voluntary safety management system was inadequate and lacked formal oversight.
Article originally published January 5, 2026.
