Aloha Airlines Flight 243
Steven Meyer • April 4, 2024
Aloha Airlines Flight 243 holds a significant place in aviation history as a remarkable example of successful emergency management and engineering resilience. On April 28, 1988, this flight, a Boeing 737-297, was en route from Hilo International Airport to Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii when it experienced a catastrophic decompression incident.
Approximately 23 minutes into the flight, at an altitude of 24,000 feet, a large section of the aircraft's fuselage, measuring about 18 feet by 6.5 feet, ruptured. The event was triggered by metal fatigue and corrosion, exacerbated by the aircraft's frequent short-haul flights in the salty, humid environment of Hawaii. This caused the roof of the passenger cabin to tear away, resulting in an explosive decompression that tore a flight attendant, Clarabelle "C.B." Lansing, out of the aircraft.
Despite the severity of the situation, the flight crew managed to execute a successful emergency descent and safely land the aircraft at Kahului Airport on the island of Maui. Tragically, although Lansing was thrown from the aircraft and received severe injuries, the remaining 89 passengers and crew survived the incident.
The incident led to a thorough investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which highlighted the importance of maintenance procedures and fatigue testing for aging aircraft. It also underscored the critical role of crew training and emergency protocols in ensuring passenger safety.
Following the investigation, regulatory changes were implemented to improve aircraft inspection and maintenance standards, particularly for older aircraft. This incident served as a wake-up call for the aviation industry, prompting a renewed focus on structural integrity and maintenance practices to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The crew of Aloha Airlines Flight 243 received widespread praise for their professionalism and quick thinking in managing the crisis and safely bringing the aircraft to the ground. Their actions, along with the lessons learned from the incident, have had a lasting impact on aviation safety worldwide. Today, Flight 243 remains a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and resilience in the face of adversity in the aviation industry.
Sources: NDTV, FAA, NZ Herald, This Day in Aviation, Independent, Simple Flying, Airways Mag
Images: NDTV, Twitter/Hardywolf359, Twitter/DJSnM, FAA
