Casualties unknown

1990-05-23: Fairchild SA227 (N27442) — Horizon Airlines — Olympia, WA

Olympia, WA, US

On May 23, 1990, a Fairchild SA227 (registration N27442) operated by Horizon Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Olympia, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: DUE TO AN ICE BUILD-UP DEPARTING THE PROPELLER AND STRIKING THE CABIN WINDOW. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N27442
Aircraft registered N27442. Photo: Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A cabin window suddenly blew out while the aircraft was descending through 14,000 feet. An emergency descent was executed, and the airplane landed safely. Post-incident inspection revealed two indentations on the fuselage near the window.

Incident Overview

During a routine descent from 14,000 feet, the second row right side cabin window suddenly blew out. The flight crew immediately initiated an emergency descent and subsequently landed the aircraft at the intended airport without further incident.

Inspection Findings

After landing, the window and its frame were examined. The frame and the connecting bolts appeared undamaged. However, two indentations were noted on the fuselage: one just forward of the window and another aft of the ice protection plate.

Passenger Accounts

Several passengers reported hearing loud bumps or thumps prior to the window blowing out. These sounds were noted as occurring before the sudden depressurization event.

Conclusion

The source does not provide a probable cause for the window blowout. Investigation into the indentations and the reported noises is ongoing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23280. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.