Southwest Airlines grounds jets over mid-air hole scare
NEW YORK. April 3. KAZINFORM The US carrier Southwest Airlines has grounded for inspection about 80 of its planes after a hole opened up in mid-air in the roof of one of its aircraft; Kazinform refers to BBC News.
Investigators have ruled out terrorism, but so far have not been able to establish the cause of the rupture.
The hole caused a sudden drop in cabin pressure, and Flight 812 from Phoenix to Sacramento was forced to make a steep descent and emergency landing.
One flight attendant was slightly injured during the incident on Friday.
Witnesses said a couple of people aboard the Boeing 737-300 nearly passed out while scrambling for oxygen masks.
There were 118 passengers and crew on board the 15-year-old plane.
An FBI spokesman said terrorism was not suspected and "it appears to be a mechanical issue".