Hole Opens Up In SouthWest Aircraft

Now this must have been really scary. Respect is due to crew getting them down safely; a 5000ft a minute descent must have been quite something.

It must have been terrifying. I was listening to a report on this on radio 4 this morning and I'm sure they said something about Southwest having had this happen to them before.

They get their major checks done in El Salvador - need I say more.....

[Darren Wheeler]

They get their major checks done in El Salvador - need I say more.....

yes, I think you do...

They get their major checks done in El Salvador - need I say more.....

yes, I think you do...

OK - It has been said by a former NTSB board member that SWA's heavy maintenance is done in San Salvador. He had serious questions about oversight. He also said FAA inspectors can't just show up at the facility as they do in the U.S. to check on procedures but they have to phone ahead for an appointment.

If the NTSB are not comfortable with the oversight of the maintenance checks, then that does not make me particularly comfortable in SW aircraft - and I'm very happy with other LCCs such as Ryanair (as far as safety is concerned ): )

SW are very much a LCC but it may be that cost-cutting can go too far.

I'm certainly not saying that this incident/accident is due to maintenance - we will have to wait for the report for that - but if experienced NTSB personnel are raising flags....
When an aircraft has had the number of cycles this one had, fatigue is something that requires scrupulous inspections. It is these checks that require experienced engineers - and great care - not the cheapest solution.

My opinion only!

Oh great - am due to fly with them later in the year.... !

Oh great - am due to fly with them later in the year.... !

I would guess that the currently grounded aircraft are going to receive particular attention from the FAA

If they are flying, they will have been checked.

But 3 out of 22 is not good odds!

I thought SW were supposed to be one of the better airlines to fly with?!

I like SW. And I think it's true to say they have never had a fatal crash/accident......

There were a number of SW 737's that were due for modification of their roof structures. This was following a directive from the F.A.A. Most but not all (inc the accident aircraft) had been completed. SW are now completing that work on all their remaining aircraft.

The SW crew dealt with the emergency in a text-book manner.
Hats off to them!

Adam

Saw a lot of press on US TV about this whilst there. I'm sure it was a really scary experience for the passengers and crew!

Oh great - am due to fly with them later in the year.... !

I wouldn't worry. I have flown with Southwest a few times and wouldn't hesitate to fly them again.

I would guess that the currently grounded aircraft are going to receive particular attention from the FAA

If they are flying, they will have been checked.

But 3 out of 22 is not good odds!

FAA Emergency Directive

Now five aircraft with cracks.

Certainly will make people take more notice of the Boeing whistleblowers.