iPhone miraculously survives after falling from nearly 5000m altitude from an airplane

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Recently, an iPhone miraculously survived after falling out of the cabin of Alaska Airlines flight 1282 last Friday from a height of 16,000 feet (approximately 4,876m) and remained intact.

Sean Bates, a resident of Vancouver, Washington, shared images of this iPhone on Sunday after finding it on Barnes Road in Portland, Oregon. The phone was still in normal working condition and could still receive emails from Alaska Airlines. There are no cracks on it as it was protected by a case and may have fallen into a forest with soft ground.

Bates reported to the National Transportation Safety Board, and officials came to collect the device. NTSB informed Bates that this was the second device found on the flight in the area.

This iPhone fell from Alaska Airlines flight 1282 after part of the aircraft exploded shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport. The aircraft was able to safely return to Portland Airport, and all passengers and crew members survived.

The iPhone's screen remained intact despite falling from a 5000m altitude.

The sudden drop in cabin pressure on airplanes can cause objects like smartphones to be sucked out and fall to the ground below. In 2011, Wired wrote an article about the final velocity of an iPhone falling from an airplane, and this is the exact explanation of how the device can miraculously survive. In summary, due to its low weight and air resistance, this iPhone can miraculously survive despite falling from a height of nearly 5,000m to the ground.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did an iPhone survive a fall from 16,000 feet?

The iPhone survived the fall from 16,000 feet due to its lightweight design, protective case, and possibly landing on soft ground. These factors combined helped minimize damage, allowing the device to remain functional.

What should I do if my phone falls from a significant height?

If your phone falls from a significant height, first check for physical damage such as cracks or screen issues. Then, test its functionality by turning it on and verifying that all features work properly.

Why do smartphones get sucked out of airplane cabins?

Smartphones can be sucked out of airplane cabins due to sudden drops in cabin pressure, which occur when doors open or in the event of an emergency. This rapid change can create a strong airflow that pulls lightweight objects outside.

What happened to Alaska Airlines flight 1282 after the explosion?

After the explosion on Alaska Airlines flight 1282, the aircraft safely returned to Portland Airport. All passengers and crew survived, demonstrating the aircraft's resilience in emergency situations.

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