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Alaska Airlines flight returns to Seattle after ‘banging’ heard in cargo hold; ramp agent found inside

Posted at 5:34 PM, Apr 13, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-13 19:37:19-04

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines Flight 448 en route from Seattle to Los Angeles turned around after “banging” was heard beneath the aircraft Monday. Upon landing, a ramp agent was found in the cargo hold, the airline said.

“The ramp agent appeared okay, and was transported to the hospital as a precaution,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

Immediately after takeoff from Sea-Tac, the pilot “reported hearing banging from beneath the aircraft,” the airline said.

“The captain immediately returned to Seattle, declaring an emergency for priority landing. The aircraft was in the air for 14 minutes. After landing, a ramp agent was found inside the front cargo hold, which is pressurized and temperature controlled.”

Alaska Airlines said it is investigating the incident.