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Shattering King Air Windows

I was in the right seat of a King Air 300 when the co-pilot windshield shattered at 27,000 ft but stayed intact. I then found out that the left side window had done the same thing on that aircraft several years earlier.

I've also talked to other pilots of King Air's that have had the same thing happen and even more third party accounts of similar events.

What's the deal? Is there a systemic problem with the King Air windows? We're getting ready to pick up an 80 model B200 and I'd like to know the deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zyttocs (Post 871820)

Things break. DON'T dump the cabin.

YouTube - Emergency Landing - King Air

Quote:

NTSB Identification: CHI07LA063
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, February 02, 2007 in Cape Girardeau, MO
Aircraft: Raytheon Aircraft Company B200, registration: N777AJ
Injuries: 2 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 February 2, 2007, about 1030 central standard time, a Raytheon Aircraft Company B200, N777AJ, sustained substantial damage during an uncontrolled descent and recovery from cruise at flight level 270. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flightcrew reported that they depressurized the airplane after noticing cracking of the airplane windshield. They then donned their oxygen masks but were unable to obtain oxygen from the oxygen system resulting in their loss of consciousness. They later regained consciousness, recovered from the descent, and landed without further incident at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating on an instrument rules flight plan. The pilot and copilot were uninjured. The flight originated from Rogers Municipal Airport-Carter Field, Rogers, Arkansas, at 0939.

On-scene inspection of the airplane noted that approximately 2/3 of the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator were separated from the aircraft and 2/3 of the right elevator was separated but attached at the inboard hinge. The left and right wings were wrinkled. The left pilot windshield outer and inner ply were intact. The inner ply exhibited a shattered appearance with a crack at the lower right hand corner of the windshield. The cabin pressurization dump switch was in the dump position.

The oxygen system worked when it was functionally tested in accordance with Airplane Flight Manual.

Funny thing about oxygen systems, they only work when turned on. I saw that plane on the ramp shortly after and got some good pictures of it.

Indianapolis ferry trip, June 2007 - jeff's Photos

It's just one of those things that happens. If it were a huge problem, I think the King-Air fleet would have a really bad reputation and you wouldn't see them out in force as they are. I think it tends to only be one of the layers, so it's not a "complete" failure. Pressurized windows do get replaced eventually in all aircraft, it's just a matter of time before something causes an issue.

It's fairly common on King Airs, the windshields de-laminate if they get cold soaked and then the windshield heat is turned on. After they de-laminate then they stand a bigger chance of shattering.
Look for signs of de-lamination in the corners.
Then I know a guy who had a B200 that was breaking windshields like crazy and they found that the frame was tweaked slightly and was causing the problems.

I agree it is pretty common and not something to panic about. The outfit that I use to fly for has operated every model of King Air and had it happen to most of them. One was when my friend was in the right seat of a 300 with the owner in the left seat. The owner was typed and had lots of experience. He is a old time cowboy and very cool and level headed. They had the pilots windshield shatter the inside pane while climbing out of 27,000. Glass blew all over the owner. He simply removed his cowboy hat, tapped it on the center pedistal to remove the glass, and calmly told the right seater as he vacated the left seat, "It's all your partner." He settled into the back and the other pilot turned the plane around and went home.

The delamination in the corners is the best way to look out for this.