AVIATION/ NTSB REPORTS ON ALASKA FL528

The NTSB has released its final reports into an incident involving an ALASKA AIRLINES Boeing 737 at Seattle, Washington, on December 24, 2008. On that date, Flight 528 was on Domestic Service from Seattle to Burbank, California, with 143 passengers, 6 crew members, and 1 off duty crew member, onboard. While being de-iced at Seattle, prior to takeoff, fumes began to enter the passenger cabin. The crew returned to the gate, and requested Emergency Services after a number of passengers began to complain of eye irritation. According to media reports, 18 passengers were treated on the scene, and all 7 Alaska Airlines staff were transported to hospital for evaluation. At least 1 passenger told media that they were on the aircraft for about 45 minutes after the fumes began to enter the cabin. A number of lawsuits have been filed. In their final report, the NTSB stated that the probable cause of the incident was: "The failure of the de-icing crew to follow company procedures by not receiving confirmation from the flight crew before beginning to de-ice the aircraft". The NTSB notes that the APU was running and the APU and engine bleed air switches were still in the "on" position as de-icing began. Had the crew been notified prior to the de-icing beginning, they would have configured the aircraft for de-icing, which would have prevented the fumes from entering the aircraft. The full report can be found on the NTSB website.