The aircraft, which was operated by Alaska Airlines, ultimately forced an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, but caused no serious injuries among passengers.

The plane’s door panel, which covers an extra emergency exit that is only operable on planes with the maximum capacity, blew off Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 while it was at 16,000 feet and climbing to cruising altitude after departing Portland, Oregon, for Ontario, California. 

The loss of the panel caused the depressurization of the cabin and the plane soon made its emergency landing.

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Officials say two cellphones, at least one of which was still intact and in airplane mode, were found on the ground, and the door plug, considered a key component, was recovered from a Portland school teacher’s backyard. 

While the National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation of the incident, the FAA announced Tuesday that it had grounded every Boeing 737-9 Max with a plug door until the aircraft had been determined to be safe.

Boeing did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Fox News’ Thomas Catenacci contributed to this report.

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