Posted On: July 16, 2009
NTSB RELEASES PHOTOS OF DAMAGED SECTION OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PLANE
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. Romanucci & Blandin will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation.
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.
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