The Alaska Air flight was terrifying. It could have been so much worse

A plane flying Alaska Airlines flight 1282 experienced a major incident minutes after takeoff. A large hole opened in the side of the plane, causing wind and noise to fill the cabin. Passengers’ belongings were ripped away, and airplane seats twisted towards the opening. Thankfully, there were no fatalities or serious injuries reported. A preliminary report revealed that crucial bolts were missing from the door plug of the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft involved. The incident occurred at 16,000 feet in altitude during the climb, minimizing potential harm and enabling a safe return to the airport.