Travel
On January 5, 2024, a dramatic incident occurred when a door plug from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 blew out mid-flight, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing at Portland International Airport. The missing door plug was the subject of a widespread search, and it was eventually found in the backyard of Bob Sauer, a science teacher in Portland, Oregon.
The Incident
Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 was en route from Portland to Ontario, California, when the door plug suddenly detached at an altitude of about 16,000 feet. The plane, carrying 171 passengers and six crew members, safely returned to Portland without any serious injuries reported. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched an investigation and began searching for the missing door plug, which was crucial evidence in understanding the cause of the incident.
Discovery by Bob Sauer
Bob Sauer, a physics teacher at Catlin Gabel School, discovered the door plug in his backyard on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Initially, Sauer was unaware that the debris could be in his neighborhood, but after a friend suggested he check his property, he ventured into his backyard with a flashlight. There, he found the 26-by-46-inch, 63-pound door plug leaning against a tree branch, remarkably intact.
Sauer described the moment as surreal, saying, "It was very hard to understand that what everybody was looking for in Portland was actually in my backyard." He immediately contacted the NTSB, ensuring not to touch the evidence to preserve its condition for investigation.
Investigation and Aftermath
NTSB investigators arrived at Sauer's home on Monday morning to collect the door plug. The investigation revealed that the four bolts meant to secure the door plug had never been installed, leading to the failure under pressure during ascent. Boeing subsequently announced steps to enhance safety measures, including increased inspections and training in fuselage assembly.
The incident drew significant media attention, both locally and internationally. Sauer's discovery became a memorable physics lesson for his students, who were fascinated by the event and the visit from NTSB officials to discuss it further.
Reflections and Legacy
Almost a year later, Bob Sauer reflected on the experience, noting it was a surprise to find such a significant piece of aircraft debris in his backyard. He praised the professionalism of the NTSB and the educational opportunity it provided for his students. Sauer retired from teaching in June 2024 but continues to share his story, highlighting the importance of safety in aviation.
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