This particular air journey designation refers to a scheduled passenger flight operated by Alaska Airways on January 31, 2000, that tragically crashed into the Pacific Ocean close to Level Mugu, California. The plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, was en route from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport with 83 passengers and 5 crew members on board. The accident stemmed from the failure of a jackscrew meeting controlling the horizontal stabilizer, resulting in a lack of pitch management.
The occasion holds important significance in aviation historical past as a result of subsequent investigations and ensuing security suggestions. The Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) performed an intensive inquiry, finally resulting in modifications in plane upkeep procedures and element design. The catastrophe highlighted the vital want for enhanced oversight of vital plane programs and improved communication between airways and regulatory our bodies. The tragedy spurred developments in flight knowledge recorder expertise and evaluation strategies, finally contributing to improved aviation security requirements worldwide.