A flight headed to Bethel experienced a mid-air safety incident after an aircraft door detached while en route, airline and aviation officials confirmed Thursday.
The flight, operated by Ravn Alaska, was traveling from Anchorage when one of its exterior doors separated from the aircraft at altitude. The pilot reported the issue to air traffic control and immediately began a controlled diversion back to Anchorage, where the plane landed safely without injuries to passengers or crew.
Emergency responders were on standby at the airport and conducted routine inspections of the aircraft following its arrival. Officials said all passengers were deplaned normally and are being rebooked on alternative flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airline have launched an investigation into the cause of the door failure. Initial reports indicate the issue occurred in flight but did not compromise the aircraft’s structural integrity or pressurization systems.
Also Read: Alaska Secures $25 Million FAA Investment to Improve Aviation Safety Statewide
The FAA stressed such events are rare and that passenger safety remains the top priority. Investigators will examine maintenance records and flight data as part of the ongoing review.
