Originally Posted by
ShotOne
Even a very major hydraulic leak doesn't make an airliner fall out of the sky
A persistent leak can cause delamination of the metal/plastic sandwich that makes up the skin of the aircraft and of the compoisites in other components. In the wrong area the delamination could cause stresses, weakness and fatigue in unexpected ways that could lead to unexpected rupture of the skin if it is part of the pressure vessel or complete failure of major components if it is actually a load bearing area.
Flaw Found In Airbus Rudders: NTSB Orders Inspection Of AA 587 Aircraft | March 31, 2006 | www.rockawave.com | Wave of Long Island