The search is underway for a crucial piece of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 airliner that separated from the aircraft over a rural area of Oregon on Friday. In a press conference held in Portland on Saturday evening, NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy appealed to the public for assistance in locating this vital piece of evidence to advance the investigation now classified as an accident.
Homendy urged the public to contact local authorities if they come across any debris related to the incident. Additionally, she requested more cellphone videos or any other information that individuals may possess, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to aid investigators.
While refraining from providing a broad safety assessment of the aircraft, Homendy clarified that the NTSB's investigation is currently focused on the specific aircraft involved and not the entire fleet. However, she did not rule out the possibility of the investigation extending beyond the individual incident.
Highlighting the potential severity of the situation, Homendy noted that the accident occurred during the initial climbout at 16,000 feet, with all occupants securely belted in their seats. The chairman emphasized that the incident could have had catastrophic consequences given the circumstances.