Incident Overview

In a harrowing incident on Thursday, four crew members from Alaska Airlines found themselves hospitalized after a severe bout of turbulence struck their Boeing 737 MAX during a flight from Seattle to Phoenix. The turbulence hit at approximately 2:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, leaving both crew and passengers rattled.

Injuries and Medical Response

While one passenger also sustained injuries, they were treated at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport without needing hospitalization, according to Alaska Airlines. Medical professionals immediately greeted the aircraft upon landing, assisting those impacted by the frightening turbulence episode.

Airline Response

An Alaska Airlines spokesperson expressed gratitude for the prompt action and professionalism of the crew, stating, "We are appreciative of our dedicated crew for their skill and professionalism in responding to this situation." The airline did not disclose specifics about the crew members' injuries or their hospitalization status, citing privacy concerns.

FAA Investigation

In an additional note of caution, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident involving the Boeing 737 MAX 9. The aircraft successfully landed at around 3:10 p.m. local time, following the flight crew’s alert about a 'medical emergency stemming from severe turbulence.'

Recent Safety Concerns

This turbulent episode is particularly concerning as it follows a bizarre episode mere days earlier, where a different Alaska Airlines passenger opened an emergency exit while the aircraft was parked at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. That individual, reportedly anxious after arriving from Milwaukee, stepped onto the wing before being safely assisted by emergency responders and taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Passenger Safety Advisory

As cases of in-flight emergencies continue to make headlines, passengers are urged to remain vigilant about the importance of following crew instructions and seatbelt requirements during flights. Alaska Airlines has promised to support its crew and travelers alike during this distressing time and aims to enhance safety measures moving forward.

Conclusion and Future Updates

Stay tuned for updates as the FAA investigation unfolds—will this incident change the way we view airline safety? Don’t miss our upcoming coverage!