MINNEAPOLIS — On Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a grounding of certain Boeing 737 Max 9s after a portion of the plane's wall flew off of an Alaskan Airlines plane.
Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, held a press conference Saturday night. She said a mid-cabin door came off an Alaska Airlines plane heading from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California which resulted in rapid decompression.
She clarified that the door was actually a door plug in this particular plane, meaning passengers would have perceived it as a window. Officials said there were 171 passengers on board with six crew members.
"Fortunately, all passengers deplaned we are not aware of any serious injuries," said Homendy.
Homendy said no one was seated where the "door plug" was located.
Officials say the flight reached 16,000 feet when it ripped off. Officials also said the pilot was able to safely return and land with no major injuries.
Saturday night Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), reported a cancellation of a United flight headed to Chicago. It too was a Max 9.
Airport officials said they're working to ensure the safety of the fleet.
As the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation, Alaska Airlines announced on Saturday it will temporarily ground all of its 737 9 Max planes.
United Airlines is also investigating some aircraft. The FAA's order will ground 171 planes in total.
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