The stakes are high for Alaska Airlines as they receive inquiry from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into a recent flight that was allowed to take off even after engine measurements raised red flags. The flight took off from Seattle and eventually made a safe landing in Juneau, Alaska, but the incident has put the airline in the spotlight.
NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt has stated that the investigation is intended to learn from the incident and improve the safety of air travel. Sumwalt said that the inquiry would “evaluate how the flight crew responded to certain signals and whatever other findings of fact we uncover.”
The incident began when the crew for Flight 31 made a decision to take off on July 5th despite a warning light that lit up in the cockpit upon takeoff. The airline has defended their decision, stating that the light was not an indication of a malfunction, but rather a measurement of the engine that was higher than normal. The airline has not commented on the NTSB’s inquiry.
However, some critics have called the airline out for their decision to take off in spite of the warning light. Safety consultant Robert MacIntosh said that “it’s concerning when an airline will risk the lives of its passengers and crew by not heeding warning indicators.”
The NTSB has yet to draw any conclusions from the investigation, but has indicated that the inquiry is a priority. Sumwalt has also noted that time is of the essence for the investigation as the incident happened almost two months ago.
The inquiry by the NTSB is a reminder of the importance of air safety and the potential legal repercussions for ignoring warning signs or disobeying safety protocol. The results of the investigation could have a serious impact on airline safety protocols and the reputation of Alaska Airlines.
‘Sky-High Stakes’: Alaska Airlines Flight Inquiry sparks Critical NTSB Warning
