You are on an airplane up in the air, then one of the windows is smashed. What will happen to the plane?

Answer 1

Since it has happened, we know. The windows are designed so that if broken, the skin does not tear (as it did from fatigue in the early Comet jets.) Depending on the altitude, the difference in pressure is considerable. The air in the plane blasts out through the window and that creates a wind that lifts paper and dust. It is normally not high enough to take a person out, although it might suck a person up against the hole. The air would immediately fog up as the moisture condenses at the lower pressure. The pressure drop would be immediately signalled to the pilot and the pilot would immediately go into a dive to get to a lower altitude and call in an emergency. Probably, all of the oxygen cups would drop from their holders overhead.

Answer 2

Well, the plane itself will remain intact and structurally sound. The cabin will rapidly decompress. This will cause significant discomfort to passengers and crew. Small items will be sucked out until the rush of air and the pressures equalize. The temperature in the aircraft will begin to drop rapidly as will the oxygen content. This is when the small yellow and clear bag breathing masks pop out of the ceiling. At typical cruising altitude, there is not enough oxygen to support life for very long.

Answer 3

all flights are designed to holds a particular amount of oxygen and other gases.so once the window is broken ,the equilibrium is shifted which results in an uncontrolled flight. the high pressure of air that gushes inside will create a high down presure on our respiratory organs.. which results in an expansion of the inner organs ...it basically depends upon the size of the window and the altitude of the flight

Answer 4

i think the pilot my loose control of the plane because the air is getting inside, but the pilot might be able to control the plane to the nearest airport. Plus, that problem can be solved right away.

Answer 5

It will depressurize. All the air will run out. Hopefully the maelstrom from all the air coming out won't further damage the window and put a big hole in the fuselage. Passenger's who haven't been sucked out will don oxygen masks or pass out quickly.

Answer 6

Watch the Mythbusters on explosive decompression.

Answer 7

depends on altitude.. that has to be defined before an answer can be given....