Airplane Crash Axe

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04-22-2024 | 04:55 PM

tom11011

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Airplane Crash Axe

Is anyone aware of any circumstance where a commercial airliners crash axe was used for any reason? In all my years of flying I cannot recall this as a topic of discussion.

04-22-2024 | 05:00 PM

rickair7777

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From: Engines Turn or People Swim

Let's not go down an SSI rabit-hole.

04-22-2024 | 05:08 PM

SaintNick

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

Let's not go down an SSI rabit-hole.

not really ssi when it is clearly stated necessary by the faa

04-22-2024 | 05:09 PM

tom11011

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

Let's not go down an SSI rabit-hole.

Agreed let’s keep it to relevant past stories from the news.

04-22-2024 | 05:33 PM

John Carr

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tom11011

Is anyone aware of any circumstance where a commercial airliners crash axe was used for any reason? In all my years of flying I cannot recall this as a topic of discussion.

It made the news, naturally given the date/era.

I heard later that the ONLY reason the IRO/RFO/Bunkie/Scribe DIDN'T use the sharp end was he was afraid of the back swing and the proximity to the CA's head.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2002/...ckpit-crasher/

04-22-2024 | 05:51 PM

rickair7777

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From: Engines Turn or People Swim

It's intended for getting into panels for fire-fighting. It probably won't break cockpit windows, too many layers and too tough. It will probably bounce back and hit you in the head if you try.

04-22-2024 | 05:54 PM

JohnBurke

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tom11011

Is anyone aware of any circumstance where a commercial airliners crash axe was used for any reason? In all my years of flying I cannot recall this as a topic of discussion.

I am.

Following a crash.

04-22-2024 | 06:21 PM

trip

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tom11011

Is anyone aware of any circumstance where a commercial airliners crash axe was used for any reason? In all my years of flying I cannot recall this as a topic of discussion.

YES.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlant...nes_Flight_529

The fire started about one minute after impact, and an oxygen bottle behind the first officer's seat leaked, contributing to the strength of the fire. Despite a dislocated shoulder, First Officer Warmerdam used the cockpit fire axe to cut through the thick cockpit glass. Surviving passenger David McCorkell and Carroll County Sheriff Deputy Guy Pope later assisted by pulling the axe out of the cockpit through the hole Warmerdam had created and struck the glass from the outside to increase the size of the hole and help Warmerdam escape.

04-22-2024 | 06:31 PM

checkgear

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Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

It's intended for getting into panels for fire-fighting. It probably won't break cockpit windows, too many layers and too tough. It will probably bounce back and hit you in the head if you try.

Boy would I like to see some mythbuster type person try that. For science…

04-22-2024 | 06:36 PM

#10

nene

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tom11011

Is anyone aware of any circumstance where a commercial airliners crash axe was used for any reason? In all my years of flying I cannot recall this as a topic of discussion.

There is a story (precovid) years ago on a A330 flt across the pond, to help free an overly large lady who'd fallen and wedged herself between the loo and the door where the relief FO tried (unsuccessfully according to the story) to break the hinges with the axe. Story goes after a few whacks and requisite damage, word came over the ACARS from MX how to remove the hinge pins to free her.