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.

FMI: www.alaskaair.com, www.menziesaviation.com, www.kreindler.com