Did explosion cause jet hole?

The Sun ^ | 7/25/08 | STAFF REPORTER

[null and void]

Explosion.

747.

"Passengers spoke of hearing a loud bang and debris flying into the first class cabin as the plane’s flooring gave way,"

"the incident was not related to terrorism."

[RadioCirca1970]

Nothing to see here, move along....Lockerbie anyone?

[RightWhale]

Metal fatigue at the wing root.

[Bahbah]

But Mr Learmount, who is Safety Editor at Flight International Magazine, stressed the hole could also have been caused by a weakened hull, causing the belly of the plane to give way.

Really!!!

[McGruff]

Good thing they fixed those center fuel tanks years ago.

[kms61]

interesting that the United States was not even involved, yet the TSA felt compelled to chime in that it wasn’t terrorism, practically before the plane had stopped rolling.

[null and void]

Most likely.

Of course, a sudden depressurization of the cargo compartment wouldn’t blow debris INTO the first class cabin, would it?

[null and void]

Yeah. Good thing they’re not protesthing too much isn’t it?

[SkyDancer]

Over pressurization of the luggage area? The forensic people will check for residue if it was an explosion....

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Yep. It’s a clean tear, not a jagged hole leftover from an explosion.

[RightWhale]

Don’t know if the cargo area is pressurized. Once the hole opened the wind might be considerable in there.

[Oztrich Boy]

yet the TSA felt compelled to chime in that it wasn’t terrorism, practically before the plane had stopped rolling.

But you feel safer now. Mission Accomplished!

[Incorrigible]

 

The US Transportation Security Administration said initial reports show the incident was not related to terrorism.

 

[BenLurkin]

Could be metal fatigue...

[null and void]

Don’t know if the cargo area is pressurized.

I don't know either, but I have seen enough crash test/simulation footage that shows the flooring collapsing into the cargo area when said cargo area is abruptly depressurized to think it likely.

Besides, structurally, what holds pressure better, a perfect cylinder, or a cylinder with a big flat floor for one side?

[Calm_Cool_and_Elected]

I hate flying. While this incident is different, our plane had to abort landing (TWICE) at Charles de Gaulle in Paris this spring because of high winds. It was terrifying. I just can't imagine what those folks went through.

CC&E

[null and void]

Could be a lot of things. Smart money is on metal fatigue.

[null and void]

I hate flying.

Me too. My arms get so tired...

[Southack]

"Metal fatigue at the wing root."

The metal starts missing at the rivet line...not something one sees from an explosion.

[Ol' Dan Tucker]

I don't know either, but I have seen enough crash test/simulation footage that shows the flooring collapsing into the cargo area when said cargo area is abruptly depressurized to think it likely.

Yes, it's pressurized. That's why Itchy and Scratchy can ride down there and not be dead when you get to your destination.