Large crack on Southwest jet leads to cabin pressure drop
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a large crack on the skin of a Southwest Airlines plane led to a flight losing cabin pressure.
On the Las Vegas to Boise, Idaho flight, Southwest pilots were forced into a rapid descent from 39,000 feet to 22,000 feet to remedy the situation after a cabin depressurization alert.
Following a post-flight inspection, a large 12-inch crack was discovered on the plane’s crown, the FAA said.
The airline said the pilots safely ‘followed standard procedures.’
They ‘descended to a lower altitude to maintain a safe and comfortable cabin environment. The aircraft did not incur a rapid depressurization, masks were not deployed, and the aircraft did not require a diversion.’
The plane landed safely and didn’t impact passengers.
It is the third such crack discovered on Southwest’s older version Boeing 737s.
The other two were discovered during maintenance checks which are scheduled every 1,500 flight cycles.
Southwest spokeswoman Michelle Agnew said the plane had undergone the inspections as planned.
Skin cracks are not unheard of in older jets and are usually attributed to general wear and tear.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025