An Alaska Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Oregon on Friday evening after experiencing a terrifying mid-air incident. Media reports revealed that a window and a chunk of the aircraft's fuselage blew out, causing a gaping hole in the side of the airplane next to passenger seats.

The incident took place on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which was en route from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California. Shortly after departing, the airplane encountered the incident, prompting the crew to take immediate action. It remains unclear at this time if any passengers or crew members sustained injuries as a result of the incident.

Alaska Airlines has initiated an investigation into the cause of the fuselage damage and is working to gather more information to determine what exactly happened during the flight. In their statement, the company confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 174 guests and 6 crew members, landed safely back at Portland International Airport. They have assured that additional details will be shared once they become available.

Flight data from the tracking website FlightAware indicates that the plane reached an altitude of 16,000 feet before beginning its descent. Photos sent in by a passenger, as reported by KPTV-TV, depicted a significant section of the aircraft's fuselage missing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to respond to requests for information regarding the incident. The Boeing 737-9 MAX, the specific model of the aircraft involved, had recently completed its assembly and received certification two months prior, according to online FAA records.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced its involvement in the investigation and pledged to provide updates as they become available through their communication platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). The NTSB is determined to thoroughly investigate the event on the flight and determine the factors contributing to the fuselage damage.

Passengers aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 are commending the crew for their swift response, which ensured a safe return to the airport. As the investigation continues, the airline will work towards addressing any safety concerns and implementing necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of aircraft safety and the vigilance required in the aviation industry.