On the morning of 6th January 2024 (UTC), an Alaskan Airlines flight from Portland (PDX) to Ontario (ONT), diverted back to Portland after a section of the fuselage fell off during the flight. According to FlightRadar24, the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 16,000 feet when the fuselage fell off. The night sky could be seen through the hole. The aircraft landed safely with no reported injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now temporarily grounded certain 737 MAX 9 aircraft with approximately 171 aircraft affected while inspections occur.