An iPhone that was found along a roadside in Oregon has turned out to be a surprising discovery from the Alaska Airlines flight that was forced to make an emergency landing. The device, belonging to flight 1282, was found to be in perfect condition despite the mid-flight ordeal it had been through.
Key Takeaway
An iPhone found along a roadside in Oregon has turned out to be a surprising discovery from the Alaska Airlines flight that was forced to make an emergency landing. The device, belonging to flight 1282, was found to be in perfect condition despite the mid-flight ordeal it had been through.
Shocking Discovery
The iPhone, discovered by game designer Sean Bates, was found to have no scratches and was in perfect working condition. Even more surprising was the fact that the phone was still in airplane mode and unlocked without a passcode. It opened to a baggage and flight confirmation for flight 1282, the same flight that had to make an emergency return to Portland airport after a door blew off mid-flight.
NTSB Investigation
Upon finding the phone, Sean Bates called over a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) search team, realizing the significance of his discovery. The plug used on the exit door was also found in a schoolteacher’s backyard in Portland, according to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.
Flight Ordeal
The incident on board the Alaska Airlines flight was captured in a wild video, showing the challenges faced by passengers and crew as strong gusts of wind filled the cabin. Reports have also surfaced about warning lights indicating a loss of cabin pressure in the days leading up to the incident, prompting restrictions on the Boeing 737 MAX 9 from taking long-distance flights over the water.
Grounding of Aircraft
As a result of the incident, Alaska Airlines has grounded all 737 MAX 9s in its fleet, with the FAA temporarily grounding others for some airlines. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy has acknowledged the issues with the aircraft prior to the emergency landing.
