Korean Air Flight KE189 decompression incident

[Jhieminga]

Originally Posted by Heidhurtin

Just out of interest, if the cabin pressurisation system failed (I know it's extremely unlikely), how long would it take for the pressure to drop to external values? I also assume there's all sorts of warning bells and whistles to let the sharp end know there's a problem before it requires a "plummet"? (Gotta love that word).

That basically depends on the size of the hole through which air is departing the cabin. I did not read up on this incident, but assuming that the outflow valve controller failed and left the valve stuck in a particular position, it rather depends on that position. With the valve stuck half open/closed, switching the aircondition to high flow will delay the process a bit but depressurisation to ambient pressure may take quite some time still.
Bells and whistles.... the system will flag a controller not functioning properly, but cabin altitude warnings are less extensive. Mostly a warning horn when cabin altitude exceeds 10,000 feet. But that is based on an older 737 subtype, I am not familiar with the extra options on the MAX family.

[Maninthebar]

Originally Posted by OldnGrounded

SQUAWKIDENT is correct that it's not an accident or close call, but it is an interesting incident. And I doubt that the OP knowingly posted clickbait. But please include sources and links, folks.

If pax have been hospitalised I suggest that the event is DEFINITELY reportable.

[OldnGrounded]

Originally Posted by Maninthebar

If pax have been hospitalised I suggest that the event is DEFINITELY reportable.

I think the news reports I've seen (maybe excepting the worst of the clickbait yellow journalism) indicated that some pax were taken to hospital and quickly released after examination and perhaps some treatment. That wouldn't count as "serious injury" under FAR 49 Part 830.

Serious injury means any injury which: Requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, commencing within 7 days from the date of the injury was received; (2) results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose); (3) causes severe hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage; (4) involves any internal organ; or (5) involves second- or third-degree burns, or any burns affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface.

So, if the news reports are correct, the KE189 depressurization wouldn't be a reportable accident, due to injuries, under US rules. No idea what South Korean rules say. Whatever, I think it's an appropriate incident for discussion here — and the mods haven't moved it, at least not yet.