The pilot praised for safely landing an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 after a door plug panel detached mid-flight in January 2024 is now suing Boeing. Captain Brandon Fisher claims the aircraft manufacturer attempted to shift blame onto him and the flight crew, despite investigations pointing to a manufacturing defect.
Key Takeaways
- Captain Brandon Fisher, pilot of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, is suing Boeing.
- Fisher alleges Boeing tried to blame the crew for the January 2024 door plug incident.
- NTSB investigation concluded the incident was due to missing bolts during aircraft assembly.
- Four flight attendants previously filed lawsuits against Boeing over the same event.
Hero Pilot Alleges Betrayal by Boeing
Captain Fisher received widespread commendation for his actions during the emergency. Heads of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with Boeing executives, praised him. His quick thinking ensured the safety of all 177 people on board Flight 1282.
Despite this recognition, Fisher's legal team states that Boeing's attempts to deflect liability in previous lawsuits caused him significant distress. These attempts, they argue, led to some passengers filing lawsuits against the pilot directly.
Incident Details
- Date: January 5, 2024
- Flight: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282
- Aircraft: Boeing 737 Max 9
- Issue: Door plug panel detached mid-flight
- Location: Minutes after takeoff from Portland, Oregon
- Injuries: Seven passengers and one flight attendant sustained minor injuries
Lawsuit Details Allegations of Scapegoating
The lawsuit, filed in an Oregon court by Fisher's lawyers William Walsh and Richard Mummolo, argues that Boeing suggested the plane was "improperly maintained or misused." This implication, the lawyers contend, was a direct attempt to scapegoat Captain Fisher.
"It was clear Boeing’s words were directed at Captain Fisher in attempt to paint him as the scapegoat for Boeing’s numerous failures," Fisher’s lawyers wrote in the lawsuit.
Fisher has flown Boeing aircraft throughout his career with Alaska Airlines. His lawyers describe Boeing's actions as a "deep, personal betrayal" from a company that claims to hold pilots in high regard.
NTSB Investigation Points to Manufacturing Error
The NTSB investigation into the blowout provided clear findings. It determined that four bolts, essential for securing the door plug panel, were removed and never reinstalled during the aircraft's assembly. This critical oversight occurred at a time when the Boeing 737 Max 9 was being put together.
Door Plug Explained
The door plug is a 2-foot-by-4-foot (61-centimeter-by-122-centimeter) piece of fuselage. It covers an unused emergency exit on certain Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft configurations. The bolts securing this plug are hidden behind interior panels, making them impossible to check during a routine pre-flight inspection by pilots or airline staff.
Both Boeing and its key supplier, Spirit AeroSystems (now acquired by Boeing), were implicated in the NTSB's findings. The investigation revealed that the door plug had been gradually moving upward over the 154 flights preceding the incident before it finally detached.
Industry Experts Support Pilot's Actions
Aviation safety consultant John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, commented on the crew's performance. He stated that the crew did a remarkable job under the circumstances. Cox emphasized that no one in the aviation community has faulted the crew's actions.
"I think the Boeing lawyers were kind of grasping at straws," Cox said, regarding the attempts to shift blame.
The NTSB explicitly stated that the incident was caused by a manufacturing issue. The board also confirmed that the crew's actions were exemplary in handling the emergency.
Impact of the Incident
The door plug blowout created a roaring air vacuum inside the cabin. Fortunately, the two seats closest to the opening were unoccupied. This helped prevent more serious injuries among the 177 people on board.
Boeing factory workers reportedly told NTSB investigators about pressure to work quickly. They also mentioned being asked to perform tasks for which they were not qualified. These reports highlight potential systemic issues within the manufacturing process.
Boeing's Response and Regulatory Actions
At the time of the incident, Stan Deal, the head of Boeing's commercial airplane unit, commended the Alaska Airlines crew in an internal memo to employees. Boeing has not directly commented on Captain Fisher's new lawsuit.
However, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took over in August 2024, has made improving safety a top priority for the company. The FAA has already fined Boeing $3.1 million for safety violations discovered after the door plug incident.
In October, the FAA allowed Boeing to increase production of the 737 Max to 42 planes per month. This decision came after inspectors were satisfied with the safety measures implemented by the company.
Alaska Airlines also declined to comment on the lawsuit. The airline reiterated its gratitude to its crew members for their bravery and quick thinking on Flight 1282.
- FAA Fine: $3.1 million against Boeing for safety violations.
- Production Increase: FAA approved 737 Max production to 42 planes/month.
- Boeing CEO: Kelly Ortberg prioritizes safety improvements.
This lawsuit by Captain Fisher follows similar legal action. Four flight attendants previously sued Boeing over the same incident last summer. The outcome of these legal battles will likely have significant implications for Boeing and the aviation industry.
