A passenger in South Korea partially opened an airplane’s emergency exit door mid-flight on May 26, 2023, causing panic and minor injuries, despite being told it was impossible to open the door during a flight. This event highlighted the security risks and the fact that, although aircraft doors are designed not to open in the air, it is possible to do so when the pressure differential between the cabin and the outside is less.
The Incident
- What Happened:On an Asiana Airlines flight to South Korea, a passenger opened an emergency exit door as the plane approached landing.
- Impact:The cabin was filled with air, causing panic and resulting in 12 people being hospitalized for breathing difficulties and minor injuries.
- Location:The incident occurred about 850 feet (approximately 260 meters) above the ground.
- Cause:The passenger stated he opened the door because he felt suffocated and wanted to exit the plane quickly.
Why It’s “Impossible” to Open Mid-Air
- Pressure:The primary reason aircraft doors are designed to be difficult to open in flight is pressure. The air inside the cabin is pressurized, creating a significant pressure difference that seals the door shut.
- Engineering:The door itself is a heavy, pressurized component, requiring a tremendous amount of force to open against the pressure of the cabin.
- Exception During Landing:The pressure inside and outside the aircraft equalizes during the final moments of flight, making it easier for a door to be opened by a force, as was the case in the incident.
Consequences
- Arrest and Investigation: The passenger was arrested for violating aviation security law and faced up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
- Passenger Restraint: Other passengers had to restrain the man until the plane landed safely.
