NTSB Advisory
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
July 16, 2009

NTSB RELEASES PHOTOS OF DAMAGED SECTION OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES 737 FUSELAGE

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.

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.

Rosenker said that the initial visual examination found the fractures in good condition and suitable for further analysis. No significant corrosion or obvious pre-existing mechanical damage was noted. A detailed metallurgical examination of the skin section and the fracture surfaces will be accomplished by the Safety Board in the coming days.

Southwest Airlines is now in the process of repairing the aircraft at Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia.

Section of fuselage skin facing inside the aircraft:
http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/SW-737-interior.jpg

Section of fuselage skin on exterior of aircraft
http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/SW-737-exterior.jpg

Media Contact: Peter Knudson
peter.knudson@ntsb.gov
(202) 314-6100

Section of fuselage skin facing inside the aircraft - Larger photo at http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/SW-737-interior.jpg

Section of fuselage skin on exterior of aircraft - Larger photo at http://www.ntsb.gov/Pressrel/2009/SW-737-exterior.jpg

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