ANA Boeing 737: Safe landing after cockpit window crack

Jan 22 2024 Travel trends

In a recent incident, an All Nippon Airways (ANA) domestic flight in Japan, operating as NH1182, faced an unexpected situation as a crack was reported on the cockpit window during its journey from Sapporo to Toyama. The Boeing 737 aircraft had to return to its departure airport, New Chitose airport in Sapporo, where it safely landed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 59 passengers and six crew members on board.

The incident

The crack, which appeared in the outermost layer of the cockpit window, prompted the decision to return to the airport. A spokesperson for ANA, Japan's largest carrier, mentioned that the crack did not impact the flight's control or pressurization, reassuring the public about the safety of the passengers and crew.

Possible causes

The cause of the crack remains unknown, and aviation expert John Strickland provided insights into potential reasons. Strickland suggested that incidents like these could occur due to external factors, such as a bird strike or impact from a large hailstone. Additionally, wear and tear on the aircraft could lead to stress fractures, though he emphasized that this is a rare occurrence.

Safe landing and passenger handling

The Boeing 737 landed safely at New Chitose airport after the crack was detected while the flight was passing over Hakodate. ANA promptly arranged alternative flights for the affected passengers, ensuring their continued travel plans. This proactive response aligns with the airline industry's commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction.

Aircraft inspection and maintenance

To ensure the aircraft's complete safety, Strickland suggested that the airline might need to replace the entire window, not just the damaged layer. This cautious approach ensures that any potential issues are addressed comprehensively, highlighting the meticulous nature of aviation maintenance.

Comparison with recent Boeing incidents

This incident involving a Boeing 737 comes at a time when the aviation industry is already grappling with concerns related to Boeing aircraft. Notably, this ANA flight did not involve one of Boeing's 737 MAX 9 airplanes, the model that has recently faced extensive scrutiny and grounding by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA had grounded all Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft following an incident where an Alaska Airlines plane experienced a blowout, resulting in a cabin panel falling off during flight. This incident, which occurred just a week before the ANA event, led to an emergency landing in Oregon. As a response, the FAA extended the grounding of Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes indefinitely for additional safety checks and announced tighter oversight of Boeing's operations.

While incidents like the crack on the ANA Boeing 737's cockpit window are concerning, the safe landing and proactive measures taken by the airline demonstrate the industry's commitment to passenger safety. Investigations into the cause of the crack will provide valuable insights into potential areas for improvement in aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance.

As the aviation industry continues to prioritize safety, incidents like these contribute to ongoing discussions on refining safety protocols, aircraft inspection procedures, and overall maintenance practices. As air travel remains a crucial aspect of modern life, the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remains paramount in the aviation community.