An emergency landing by an Alaska Airlines jetliner has triggered the grounding of some Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft by U.S. federal authorities, adding a new chapter to the turbulent history of Boeing’s Max lineup. Here’s a breakdown of the incident and its aftermath:

What Happened? An Alaska Airlines jetliner experienced a fuselage blowout 3 miles above Oregon, prompting an emergency landing. Fortunately, none of the 171 passengers or six crew members suffered serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, focusing on the exit door that blew off during the flight.

Federal Authorities’ Response: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered the grounding of some Boeing Max 9 aircraft operated by U.S. airlines or flown into the country by foreign carriers for inspection. This emergency order affects approximately 171 planes worldwide. The NTSB’s ongoing investigation will likely last for months, with a focus on the panel-covered exit door.

Airlines’ Response: Alaska Airlines grounded its entire fleet of 65 Max 9s for inspections and maintenance. The airline canceled 170 flights, affecting 25,000 passengers, with additional cancellations expected. United Airlines, the largest Max 9 operator, grounded its fleet of 79 planes and is working on clarifying the inspection process. Other airlines, including Copa Airlines, have temporarily suspended Max 9s in compliance with the FAA’s order.

Safety Concerns: The incident has renewed questions about the safety of Boeing’s Max aircraft, with past issues leading to global groundings. While there haven’t been fatal crashes of U.S. airliners recently, incidents like this one raise concerns. However, experts emphasize the rarity of such events and express confidence that regulators and airlines will ensure the grounded Max 9s are safe before returning them to service.

Boeing’s Response: Boeing expressed regret over the impact of the incident on customers and passengers. The company is providing technical assistance to investigators and supports the FAA’s decision for immediate inspections. Boeing, facing scrutiny over the Max lineup’s safety, has not made executives available for interviews.

As the investigation unfolds, passengers are reminded that aircraft undergo rigorous safety measures, and regulatory authorities will prioritize safety before allowing the affected planes back into service.