G-BUSI DV Window opens at 6000ft.

[speedmarque]

Today (12 July) A320 G-BUSI en-route LHR-MUC returned to LHR a few minutes after take off with Captains DV window open. It opened at 6000ft in the climb.

[hetfield]

[Contacttower]

Few thousand feet higher and the above wouldn't be so applicable

[speedmarque]

Hetfield,

Clever Boy aren't you? You may have felt different if you were on the plane Mr Comedian.

I find the lairy ones are usually the first ones crying after a real incident.

[beardy]

Today (12 July) A320 G-BUSI en-route LHR-MUC returned to LHR a few minutes after take off with Captains DV window open.

I presume that at 6000ft in the climb captain realised it hadn't been closed correctly.

Sounds like tea and no biscuits.

[speedmarque]

Beardy,

The window "blew" fully open very quickly. Cabin crew could not contact flight crew due to noise and vice versa. A/C landed safely and a couple of hours later departed for MUC.

I saw the window, was on the flight, and spoke to the captain on arrival.

Why are people so reluctant to believe things on here

[ABO944]

Perhaps because the site's called:-

Pprune Professional Pilots Rumour Network

[beardy]

FCOM 3.3.7
WINDOWS and DOORS CHECK CLOSED
Check that the cockpit windows are closed and locked.

Otherwise they might blow open

Maybe not even the tea

[MD11Engineer]

Knowing Airbus sliding windows (and having installed quite a few of them, incl. A320 family) I know that these sliding windows are of the plug type. Any amount of cabin pressurisation will force them into their seat in the frame. It sounds very unlikely that a sliding window "just opens", especially if the plane is already starting to get pressurised.

Jan

[Bally Heck]

Made me laugh hetfield. Always found the BAC 111 no 1 window opening more dramatic myself.

[poorwanderingwun]

I have absolutely no idea how an Airbus DV window works but for those out there that think that a presssure dump at a measly 6000 ft is a non event... try it.

[Capt. Inop]

The window "blew" fully open very quickly

Not properly closed they do that.

Knowing that it would trigger a no tea and no biscuits scenario at the chief pilots office if we returned with an open window i'll just shut that damn thing and continue with our flight.

[con-pilot]

i'll just shut that damn thing and continue with our flight.

That earns a pint or two from me Sir.

I have absolutely no idea how an Airbus DV window works but for those out there that think that a presssure dump at a measly 6000 ft is a non event... try it.

Not only tried it, but have done it at 21,000 feet more times than I want to remember on annual pressurization checks on at least two types of aircraft. Basically you go to altitude, around 21,000 feet, don the masks and turn off the bleeds. Then you time how long it takes for the cabin to reach the altitude of the aircraft. Within the allotted time all is well, if not, back into maintenance.


Now trust me on this non-pilot types, it is a hell of a lot harder on you when you re-pressurize the damn thing back down to where the cabin should be for that altitude at maximum differential.


It was a non-event. Well except for the sap that didn't make sure the blasted DV window was closed and locked. How anybody in the cockpit missed the noise before it blew open is what I want to know.

[Red 69]

The aircraft is designed to be flown with the DV (Direct Vision) window open when necessary. That's why it's called a DV window! It would certainly wake you up though if it opened unintentionally!

[Capt. Inop]

earns a pint or two from me Sir.

Well, i've had a window open up on me twice on takeoff, in both cases we had to land to fix the problem.

Humor and sacasm isbest kept out of any internet forum.

[con-pilot]

Capt. Inop, this could be a language problem, I was agreeing with you.

If I caused you to misunderstand I do apologize.



(The offer to buy you a beer or two is still open. )

[Metro man]

Before Start Checks:
:
:
:
Windows and Doors - Closed and Locked
:
:
:


Opening handle has a red ring around the base of the locking button which should be visible when when the window clicks into the closed position. This may have become worn away with repeated operation and the pilots had become used to not seeing it.

[DirtyStopout]

If the crew of this flight read this PM me.

[Busbert]

I am aware of a similar case were a sliding window 'slid' open in climb because it was not correctly closed to start with.

[skywaytoheaven]

Its all in the A320 limitations: Maximum speed with cockpit window open: 200kts.