NTSB brief says this is a 'plug' or a 'door plug' but not a door. They tweeted a diagram of the complete structure of the 'door plug'. There were 12 'stop fittings' (circles) that hold the door in place. On left plug surround structure (frame), they identified several parts to be sent to lab. Will be inspecting the intact door plug on opposite side tomorrow.
Three previous flights had pressure problems with cockpit indications on 12-7-23, 1-3-24 and 1-4-24. NTSB not yet sure if they correlate or not. Auto-pressurization system was tested and light reset by engineers. Alaska decided to restrict that plane from ETOPS routes, mainly Hawaii.
Survival group documented interior damage from decompression which was extensive. Rows 33, 32, 31, 27, 26, 25, 12, 11, 4, 3, 2 and 1 all had damage. 26A and 25A were both torqued with missing parts. Oxygen mask for 26C was functional and used by a passenger in that seatbut other three masks' plastic tubing were "sheared" off.
No structural damage to the aircraft either inside or outside. Passengers were not moved out of the seats, the seats were dispatched vacant. Spokeswoman said they "just happened to be empty".
Two flight attendants (front of aircraft) interviewed today and two (back) tomorrow.
Flight attendant says the cockpit door blew open in the decompression. It hit and damaged the lavatory door, jamming it closed. No one was inside. Flight crew was also interviewed. They heard a bang, immediately donned oxygen and verified cockpit door flew open. The quick reference checklist flew out the cockpit door so used the quick reference handbook. First officer (female) lost her headset while captain's was pulled almost off. Complimented both flight crew and cabin crew.
Door plug still missing with one side being "yellowish green" on one side and white on the other. It is 26 X 48 inches and weights 63 pounds. General location is based on radar. Two cell phones were found and turned in, one in a yard and one on the side of the road. CVR and FDR have arrived at the lab.
CVR was overwritten as circuit breaker was not pulled. NTSB is not happy and want 25 hour not 2 hour CVRs.