"Boeing 737 Max Crisis Escalates with Alaska Airlines Mid-Air Emergencies"

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 experienced a panel blowout at 16,000 feet, leading to rapid cabin decompression. Fortunately, no one was seated in the adjacent seats, and the aircraft was not at cruising altitude, which likely prevented more serious injuries. The NTSB is investigating the incident, and the FAA has issued an emergency airworthiness directive, resulting in the grounding of an estimated 171 of the planes for inspections. The incident caused Alaska Airlines to cancel 160 flights, impacting around 23,000 passengers. The NTSB is seeking more evidence from passengers and looking for the missing door plug.