Airplane window cracks mid-flight, causes widespread panic among passengers

On a Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to New York, the unbelievable happened: shortly before the plane was about to land at JFK Airport, one of the passengers noticed that there was a crack in his window.

Panic at 10,000 metres

When the man loudly announced his discovery, many passengers fled from their seats and panic spread through the plane. Even the flight attendants were initially completely overwhelmed by the situation. A TikTok user named Tristan, however, didn't allow himself to be ruffled. With absolute composure, he recorded the entire spectacle on video and posted the frightening clip online.

The situation calms down

At first glance, the footage of Tristan seemed frightening. Crowds broke out in the narrow aisle of the plane, and people feared for their lives while desperately searching for a way out. The whole thing was reminiscent of scenes from a horror film, but then an announcement from the pilot was heard through the loudspeakers. As reported by The Sun, the announcement on the plane said:

Ladies and gentlemen, please sit down and remain calm. There is no danger whatsoever. We will reach our destination shortly. We ask for your cooperation. Thank you.

The pilot's words seem to have an effect because shortly afterwards the crowding on the plane dissipated and people resumed their seats. A queasy feeling remained, but the flight attendants also did their best to explain the situation to the passengers.

Absolutely no cause for concern

What at first seems like a disaster is actually no reason at all to lose your nerve. After all, an aeroplane window consists of several thick layers and only one of them has developed a slight crack.

Although this happens occasionally, it is rather rare. The pilots then normally reduce the altitude to relieve the pressure. According to the regulations of the aviation authority, the window must withstand a pressure that is at least 33 % higher than the minimum value. Basically, aircraft are designed to be safe even if a windscreen or cabin window shatters.

Safe landing in New York

Ultimately, no complications arose from the incident. Before the pilot sets off for a safe landing at New York's JFK Airport, he decided to descend to 3,000 metres as a precaution. A spokesperson for Polish airline LOT then commented on the incident and explained the details. The New York Post reported:

The window was not broken. Windows are made up of several layers. What was broken was the inner layer, which is responsible for darkening the window.

This flaw is well known because the electrophotographic window darkening system can be damaged by contact with sharp or heavy objects.

According to a report in The Aviation Herald, the aircraft was immediately taken to Poland for repairs and has since resumed normal operations.

This article was translated from Gentside DE.

Sources used:

The Sun- Watch horrifying moment ‘plane window CRACKS’ mid-air freaking out passengers

New York Post- Passengers panic on Polish Airlines after window cracks mid-flight

TheAviation Herald- Incident: LOT B788 near New York on Aug 20th 2022, passenger window damage

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