Southwest rapid decompression today!

If I was sitting under that, knowing what I know, I would have had a 'personal' decompression.
 
Re: Southwest emergency landing in CRW

I guess this puts a hole in the theory that Southwest can do no wrong, eh?
 
************************************************************
NTSB ADVISORY
************************************************************

National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

July 16, 2009

************************************************************

NTSB RELEASES PHOTOS OF DAMAGED SECTION OF SOUTHWEST
AIRLINES 737 FUSELAGE

************************************************************

In its continuing investigation of the Southwest Airlines
737-300 (N387SW) that experienced a rapid decompression
during a flight from Nashville to Baltimore on July 13,
2009, NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker has authorized
the release of two photographs showing the compromised
section of the area of the fuselage that failed in flight.

The damaged aircraft skin section was visually examined in
the NTSB's Materials Laboratory. The damage left a hole
measuring approximately 17 inches by 8 inches. The skin in
this area of the fuselage is 0.032 inches thick with an
additional 0.032 inch thick layer bonded to the interior
surface in selected areas.

Rosenker said that the initial visual examination found the
fractures in good condition and suitable for further
analysis. No significant corrosion or obvious pre-existing
mechanical damage was noted. A detailed metallurgical
examination of the skin section and the fracture surfaces
will be accomplished by the Safety Board in the coming days.

Southwest Airlines is now in the process of repairing the
aircraft at Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia.

Section of fuselage skin facing inside the aircraft:
http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/SW-737-interior.jpg

Section of fuselage skin on exterior of aircraft
http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/SW-737-exterior.jpg
 
Southwest is an airline like any other. They operate machines, which sometimes have mechanical issues. Some of those older 737s are getting up in years and up in number of cycles. Really no surprise.... stuff happens. I don't think this reflects in any way necessarily on SWA, my "opinion" of them is completely unchanged because of this incident. They're a good company, with a niche market and a business plan that has worked. I don't put them on a pedestal of any sort, but I don't understand people who hate on them because "they're SWA".
 
I think that airplane was blessed before it took off.

Why?

Because it was a holey airplane.

<rimshot>

Thanks folks, I'll be here all week. Be sure to take care of the people who are taking care of you and try the veal, it's delicious.

Not quitting your day job, I see. :clap:

</rimshot>
 
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