The National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) recently convened to investigate an Alaska Airlines flight, which nearly encountered a crash on its way from Tampa to Seattle over the Alaska Mountain Range. NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt made a statement in the inquiry, noting that the stakes are high to ensure that this accident does not repeat itself. He said, “We’re working very hard to make sure that this never happens again.”
The NTSB has been conducting an in-depth inquiry, reviewing the flight’s data, crew and aircraft performance, as well as maintenance and weather issues. Sumwalt noted that the NTSB needs to ensure that the airline industry continues to focus on safe operations. He also said the agency is looking into the background of the flight crew and maintenance procedures associated with the aircraft.
The incident occurred when the pilots on the flight encountered a significant deviation in the plane’s altitude. The crew was able to maintain control and successfully land the airplane in Seattle, despite the challenging environment.
The NTSB inquiry is aimed at uncovering the potential cause of the incident, so similar events can be avoided in the future. The agency invited representatives from Alaska Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as others, to discuss the incident with the NTSB Board.
Sumwalt noted that the NTSB’s investigation will continue to look into what transpired in the cockpit and in the overall aircraft operations. The agency’s focus is on the safety and security of the passengers, as well as the safety of the public on ground.
The NTSB inquiry serves an important role in enhancing the safety of air travel. Sumwalt said, “Our responsibility is to find out what happened so that we can make recommendations to the airline industry to make sure that the safety of the passengers and the public are protected.” He concluded, “We take our responsibility very seriously.”
Overall, the stakes are high as the NTSB investigates the Alaska Airlines flight in order to ensure that similar incidents do not reoccur. It is the agency’s mission to continually strengthen and update safety procedures for the air travel industry, helping to ensure the wellbeing of all passengers and the public.