Passengers on Alaska Airlines experiencing harrowing landing at John Wayne Airport

Friday, August 25, 2023

Passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a harrowing landing at John Wayne Airport in Southern California during Tropical Storm Hilary.

A video captured by a passenger shows sparks flying as the left wing appeared to drag along the runway, accompanied by a loud slamming sound, leading to screams from passengers.

The Boeing 737 had 106 passengers and six crew members on board, and thankfully, everyone was evacuated safely with the assistance of the Orange County Fire Authority. Despite the dramatic landing, no injuries were reported.

Alaska Airlines reported that the issue occurred after landing and was related to the landing gear, preventing the plane from taxiing to the gate.

The airline expressed its commitment to passenger safety and extended apologies for the inconvenience caused. The incident highlighted the challenges that can arise due to adverse weather conditions and technical issues during air travel.

The Orange County Fire Authority successfully coordinated with airport staff and pilots to ensure the safe disembarkation of all passengers.

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