Shruti Suman
An iPhone managed to withstand a 16,000 feet fall after being accidentally dropped from an Alaska Airlines flight, as reported in a recent incident from Portland. iPhones are widely recognized for their durability, and this event further attests to their robust design. The mishap occurred when a window on Alaska Airlines ASA 1282 shattered mid-air, causing various items, including phones, to be sucked out of the aircraft. The flight was en route from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the incident and disclosed that another iPhone retrieved from the scene was still operational despite the significant plunge.
The specific model of the surviving iPhone remains unconfirmed, but images shared on social media, including X (formerly Twitter), suggest it might be either the iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro. Notably, the phone was equipped with a sturdy case for protection.
Seanathan Bates discovered the iPhone on the roadside and shared photos on X, stating, “Found an iPhone on the side of the road… Still in airplane mode with half a battery and also open to a baggage claim for #AlaskaAirlines ASA1282. Survived a 16,000-foot drop perfectly intact! When I called it in, Zoe at @NTSB said it was the SECOND phone to be found. No door yet.” The recovered smartphone was in impeccable condition despite its free fall from such a considerable height.
Following a harrowing midair incident that led to a window blowing out and part of the fuselage being compromised, Alaska Airlines temporarily halted the operation of its 65 Boeing 737-9 aircraft. The emergency ensued shortly after takeoff, causing a depressurization of the cabin. The plane, flying at 16,000 feet, safely returned to Portland International Airport. Alaska Airlines reported that the emergency landing involved 174 passengers and six crew members.
Seanathan Bates stumbled upon the iPhone while walking down Barnes Road. The device was found in airplane mode with half its battery remaining and activated in-flight and SOS modes. Despite this remarkable survival, Alaska Airlines is still in search of the window that detached from the aircraft during the incident.
