Incident Details
While at its departure airport, a Douglas DC-9-31 was loaded with baggage by contract ramp personnel. After departure, as the airplane climbed through approximately 20,000 feet mean sea level, the flight crew heard a loud pop and the cabin depressurized. The crew donned their oxygen masks, diverted to the nearest airport in point of time, and landed without further incident.
Postflight inspection revealed a 12-inch by 5-inch fuselage skin tear located approximately 6 feet forward of the forward cargo door.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that during the luggage off-loading or loading process, the engine of the belt loader quit operating. The senior of three ground agents working the flight decided to move the belt loader away from the airplane by pushing it with a luggage tug. During this attempt, the tug's cab contacted the fuselage.
The senior ground agent subsequently advised one of the other employees involved in the operation to not say anything about the incident. The airplane later departed and depressurized in flight.
The senior ground agent's actions were contrary to published guidance in the company's training handbook and operations manual.