New Delhi: In a jaw-dropping turn of events, an iPhone not only endured a heart-stopping 16,000-foot freefall from an Alaska Airlines flight but also emerged fully functional, retaining half its battery life. The incident unfolded during a journey to California, leaving passengers in shock as an unexpected window shattering led to various objects, including the resilient smartphone, being ejected.Discovery amidst debrisPortland resident Seanathan Bates stumbled upon the iPhone while walking near the reported debris area. Remarkably, the device, enclosed in its case and equipped with a screen protector, displayed no signs of damage despite its tumultuous descent.Adding to the intrigue, Bates uncovered an email on the phone, confirming its association with the Alaska Airlines flight, marked with the subject line “Alaska Airlines Baggage Receipt.” This revelation solidified the astonishing narrative surrounding the device.Found an iPhone on the side of the road... Still in airplane mode with half a battery and open to a baggage claim for #AlaskaAirlines ASA1282 Survived a 16,000 foot drop perfectly in tact!When I called it in, Zoe at @NTSB said it was the SECOND phone to be found. No door yet😅 pic.twitter.com/CObMikpuFd— Seanathan Bates (@SeanSafyre) January 7, 2024Social media buzzTaking to social media, Bates shared his discovery, sparking widespread online discussion. In a surprising twist, he disclosed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) verified the retrieval of another functional phone from the fall.While the official model of the recovered iPhone remains undisclosed, visual cues suggest it could be an iPhone 14 Pro or 15, identifiable by its distinctive dynamic island notch. Notably, when found, the phone was not only in airplane mode but also activated SOS mode, showcasing its remarkable resilience.Apples craftsmanship or stroke of luckThe iPhones near-indestructible saga has triggered intense online debate, with theories attributing its survival to Apples renowned build quality and the potential protective role of a robust case.However, insights from experts like David Rakestraw, a senior scientist, highlight the element of chance. Rakestraw explains that the phone likely benefited from landing in a slower-moving, natural environment, such as bushes, which could have cushioned its fall.
