I wonder if the baggage handler thought, "It's just a graze, that should buff right out . . . "
NTSB Identification: SEA06LA033
Scheduled 14 CFR Part 121: Air Carrier operation of Alaska Airlines Inc.
Accident occurred Monday, December 26, 2005 in Seattle, WA
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registration: N979AS
Injuries: 125 Uninjured.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On December 26, 2005, at approximately 1625 Pacific standard time, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, N979AS, was substantially damaged when the airplane experienced a rapid cabin depressurization during climb out from Seattle, Washington. Alaska Airlines Inc. was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 121. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight that originated approximately 10 minutes before the accident. The flight was on an IFR clearance with a destination of Burbank, California.
The pilot said that the takeoff was normal. During the climb out, at approximately 26,000 feet, they heard a loud bang, and the cabin depressurized. He said that they put their oxygen masks on and started an emergency descent to a lower altitude. An uneventful landing was performed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Post landing examination of the fuselage revealed a 12 inch by 6 inch hole near the forward cargo door.
After the occurrance, a baggage handler stated that he had "grazed the airplane" with a belt loader during the turn-around at Seattle.