Plane Lost Cabin Pressure After Ground Crew Mishap
Six passengers aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 536 are suing the
carrier, saying they suffered severe emotional and physical
injuries during a sudden decompression December 26.
Authorities say it was caused in an unreported collision between
the McDonnell-Douglas MD-83 and a baggage carrier operated by
Alaska Air contractor Menzies Aviation. The lawsuit, filed in Los
Angeles Friday, says the depressurization -- and the passengers'
alleged trauma -- was caused by negligence on the part of both
airline and contractor.
"The defendants in this case negligently and carelessly
disregarded and violated numerous safety procedures and training
standards, and have caused these passengers -- their customers --
substantial injury," said James P. Kreindler, of the Kreindler
& Kreindler law firm. "For this collision to go unreported
prior to take off is really inexcusable, and is reflective of a
troubling recent history between these two companies.
"Some actually witnessed a piece of the plane flying past their
windows. The cabin was in chaos, and passengers were saying their
last goodbyes to loved ones. They are fortunate to have survived
this flight, but many will continue to suffer serious long-term
effects," added Kreindler, whose firm filed the lawsuit.
In a preliminary report on the incident, the NTSB says a baggage
worker bumped the fuselage of the aircraft with his baggage cart...
but didn't tell anyone.
As Aero-News reported at the
time, the flight from SEA-TAC to Burbank took off
without incident. But when it reached 26,000 feet, it suddenly lost
cabin pressure. The pilots made an emergency descent to below
13,000 feet... then continued on to what they described as a
routine landing back at SEA-TAC.
The suit says the six passengers "suffered and will continue to
suffer physical pain, emotional stress, loss of enjoyment of life
and other permanent compensable injuries" as a result of the
mishap. Lawyers for the six are asking for unspecified damages.
"Alaska Air knew or should have known that Menzies was not
competently handling its ground service responsibilities, and yet
it continued to use the company to perform those services," said
attorney Daniel O. Rose of Kreindler. "The negligence of both
companies resulting in the traumatic Flight 536 incident is quite
clear."
Menzies took over
Alaska's baggage handling duties in May. There have since been
several lesser incidents involving Alaska and its contractors. But
one, in particular, stands out.
In December -- aboard the exact same flight, on the same route
-- a contract mechanic apparently left a gear
door open, forcing yet another emergency return to
SEA-TAC.