Captain Brandon Fisher, an Alaska Airlines pilot hailed as a hero for safely landing a jet after a major incident shortly after takeoff, has filed a lawsuit against Boeing. Fisher claims that the aircraft manufacturer improperly attempted to shift blame onto him and the crew, despite their successful emergency procedure that ensured the safety of all 177 passengers aboard flight 1282.
The incident, which occurred in January 2024, involved a blowout that resulted in the loss of cabin pressure due to a missing fuselage panel. Fisher's decision to decrease altitude while coordinating with air traffic control was praised by officials from both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Fisher's legal team argues that Boeing's attempts to deflect responsibility have led him to face lawsuits from passengers and caused significant emotional distress. In court documents, Fisher expressed feelings of betrayal, stating that his long history of flying Boeing aircraft has been tainted by the company's response.
While four flight attendants had previously filed suits against Boeing related to the incident, Fisher's case is particularly significant given his leadership in preventing loss of life. The NTSB's investigation highlighted failures in Boeing’s assembly process, implicating both the manufacturer and Spirit Aerosystems, citing that a crucial bolt assembly had been neglected during repair.
Ultimately, Fisher is seeking damages for the distress caused by what he perceives as Boeing's unfounded accusations. The airline has publicly supported him, underscoring its appreciation for the crew's response to the crisis. Boeing has yet to provide a direct comment on the lawsuit, while signaling a commitment to improve safety standards after a series of incidents involving their aircraft.
