The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a large crack on the skin of a Southwest Airlines plane led to a flight losing cabin pressure.
On the Las Vegas to Boise, Idaho flight, Southwest pilots were forced into a rapid descent from 39,000 feet to 22,000 feet to remedy the situation after a cabin depressurization alert.
Following a post-flight inspection, a large 12-inch crack was discovered on the plane’s crown, the FAA said.
The airline said the pilots safely ‘followed standard procedures.’
They ‘descended to a lower altitude to maintain a safe and comfortable cabin environment. The aircraft did not incur a rapid depressurization, masks were not deployed, and the aircraft did not require a diversion.’
The plane landed safely and didn’t impact passengers.
It is the third such crack discovered on Southwest’s older version Boeing 737s.
The other two were discovered during maintenance checks which are scheduled every 1,500 flight cycles.
Southwest spokeswoman Michelle Agnew said the plane had undergone the inspections as planned.
Skin cracks are not unheard of in older jets and are usually attributed to general wear and tear.
