AMFA DISPATCHES ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION TEAM FOR ALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT #1282

For Immediate Release

Contact: Bret Oestreich, National President

Phone: (720) 744–2628

Email: bret.oestreich@amfanatl.org

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — January 6, 2024 — An incident was reported yesterday on Alaska Airlines Flight #1282 from Portland, OR to Ontario, CA. It is reported that the aircraft reached 16,000ft when a plug door detached from the aircraft, resulting in rapid decompression. The aircraft began an emergency descent and was diverted back to Portland (PDX) with no fatalities and a few minor injuries.

This event has prompted the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) to dispatch its Accident Investigation Team (AIT) to PDX. AMFA AIT Representatives will work with Alaska Airlines, Boeing, and potentially as a party with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation team to determine probable cause. The goal of AMFA in assisting the NTSB with this investigative process is to utilize our expertise to discover the exact cause of this event and to identify solutions to prevent it from occurring in the future. AMFA leadership is maintaining constant communication with our AIT to support their activity during this ongoing investigation.

AMFA would like to extend our utmost compassion to the passengers and crew of AS Flight #1282.

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The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft-oriented, independent aviation union representing licensed and unlicensed Aircraft Maintenance Technicians/Engineers and skilled trade groups actively involved in the aviation industry. These employees work directly on aircraft and/or components, support equipment, and facilities. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians/engineers and achieving progressive improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled people it represents. For more information, please visit www.amfanational.org