Alaska Airlines Flight 261: Revisiting KRON's Immediate Coverage of the 2000 Tragedy
Remembering Alaska Airlines Flight 261: The Chilling Initial Reports from January 31, 2000.
On January 31, 2000, tragedy struck off the Southern California coast as Alaska Airlines Flight 261 crashed into the ocean. This KRON news report details the immediate aftermath and unfolding events of the disaster.
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The Incident
Alaska Airlines Flight 261, a San Francisco-bound jetliner carrying 88 souls, went down off Point Magoo, near Los Angeles. In the initial moments, the scene was grim, with only debris and an oil slick visible, leading authorities to believe there were no survivors.
Pilot's Distress Call
The pilot had radioed in, reporting stabilizer problems and requesting an emergency landing in Los Angeles. This detail underscores the urgency and the pilot's awareness of the impending crisis.
Search and Recovery Efforts
A massive search and recovery operation was launched, involving the Coast Guard and Navy, both by sea and air. As of the time of the report, seven bodies and some debris had been recovered. The Coast Guard emphasized that finding survivors was their top priority and that they would continue the search as long as there was a chance, noting that the relatively warm water temperature (around 56 degrees) could aid survivability.
Support for Families
Alaska Airlines dispatched a passenger assistance team to provide support to the families affected at various locations. Mental health counselors, clergy, and relief workers were present at SFO to assist loved ones awaiting news of the passengers.
Investigation Begins
Crash investigators from Washington were en route to the scene to determine the cause of the crash, with initial suspicions pointing towards a mechanical problem.
Aircraft Details and Prior Concerns
The aircraft was identified as an MD-83, part of Alaska Airlines' fleet since 1992, with a capacity of 137 to 172 passengers. The report also highlighted a disturbing detail: a San Francisco Chronicle report indicated that a federal grand jury had been investigating the maintenance of MD-80s at Alaska Airlines' Oakland facility, and the FAA had previously proposed a fine for maintenance violations.
Challenges in the Search
The search efforts faced challenges, including the reduced effectiveness of night vision goggles due to the bright lights from other vessels at the scene.
NTSB Involvement
The report concluded by stating that if the operation shifted from rescue to recovery, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would take over the investigation.