KC-135 Pressure Test Explosion

Hubris Boy · 12-03-2002, 12:02 PM

This is what happens when you don't pay attention and don't read the manual.

A KC-135 was being pressurized at ground level. The outflow valves, which are used to regulate the internal pressure of the aircraft, were capped off during a 5 year overhaul and never reopened. The post-accident investigation revealed that a civilian depot technician, who "had always done it that way," was using a homemade gauge, and no procedure.

The technician's gauge didn't even have a max "peg" for the needle, and so it was no surprise he missed it when the needle went around the gauge the first time. As the technician continued to pressurize the aircraft, and the needle was on its second trip around the gauge, the aircraft went "boom" - the rear hatch was hurled over 70 yards, and came to rest behind a blast fence.

Cam · 12-03-2002, 12:45 PM

That would have been something to see happen.

Did anyone get hurt?

Tobiasly · 12-03-2002, 01:02 PM

Admit it, HB, you made up that story.

This is obviously the work of an enraged, jealous boyfriend with a chainsaw.

MaggieL · 12-03-2002, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tobiasly
Admit it, HB, you made up that story.

http://www.disastercity.com/kc135/

Leus · 12-03-2002, 04:50 PM

From the page posted above:

Quote:

"The post-investigation revealed: that a civilian depot technician who, "had always done it that way," was using a homemade gauge, and no procedure."

Excerpted from military "lessons learned" presentation.

Roughly translated as "it was some dumb civilian's fault"

Tobiasly · 12-03-2002, 05:01 PM

It was a joke, Nic^H^H^HMaggie.

MaggieL · 12-03-2002, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tobiasly
It was a joke, Nic^H^H^HMaggie.

I know. But this way folks could find the other pics, and where the text was lifted from.

Tobiasly · 12-04-2002, 09:28 AM

I did like the other pics.

I know pretty much nothing about planes, but I suppose in a way this is a testament to how robust the pressurization system is. The fact that the fuselage exploded before a joint in the pipes did is pretty amazing!

12-03-2002, 12:02 PM	#1
Hubris Boy Keymaster of Gozer Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Patapsco Drainage Basin Posts: 471	KC-135 Pressure Test Explosion This is what happens when you don't pay attention and don't read the manual. A KC-135 was being pressurized at ground level. The outflow valves, which are used to regulate the internal pressure of the aircraft, were capped off during a 5 year overhaul and never reopened. The post-accident investigation revealed that a civilian depot technician, who "had always done it that way," was using a homemade gauge, and no procedure. The technician's gauge didn't even have a max "peg" for the needle, and so it was no surprise he missed it when the needle went around the gauge the first time. As the technician continued to pressurize the aircraft, and the needle was on its second trip around the gauge, the aircraft went "boom" - the rear hatch was hurled over 70 yards, and came to rest behind a blast fence. __________________ "Never understimate the power of stupid people in large groups."

12-03-2002, 12:45 PM	#2
Cam dripping with ignorance Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Grand Forks ND Posts: 642	That would have been something to see happen. Did anyone get hurt? __________________ After the seventh beer I generally try and stay away from the keyboard, I apologize for what happens when I fail.

12-03-2002, 01:02 PM	#3
Tobiasly hot Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Jeffersonville, IN (near Louisville) Posts: 892	Admit it, HB, you made up that story. This is obviously the work of an enraged, jealous boyfriend with a chainsaw.

12-03-2002, 05:01 PM	#6
Tobiasly hot Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Jeffersonville, IN (near Louisville) Posts: 892	It was a joke, Nic^H^H^HMaggie.

12-04-2002, 09:28 AM	#8
Tobiasly hot Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Jeffersonville, IN (near Louisville) Posts: 892	I did like the other pics. I know pretty much nothing about planes, but I suppose in a way this is a testament to how robust the pressurization system is. The fact that the fuselage exploded before a joint in the pipes did is pretty amazing!

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