Buzz
Bullets have the capability to penetrate glass and even the exterior of an aircraft.
Richard Goerg/Getty ImagesMain Points to Consider
- Firing a gun inside an airplane might result in cabin pressure loss, necessitating the use of oxygen masks because of the thin atmosphere at cruising altitudes.
- Critical systems, such as electrical wiring or the cockpit's control panel, could be compromised by a bullet.
- If bullets strike the fuel tanks located in the wings or fuselage, it could lead to fuel leaks or even trigger an explosion.
In numerous films, scenarios depict terrorists or hijackers seizing control of an airplane and recklessly firing shots inside the cabin.
In the movie "Air Force One," Harrison Ford's character, the president, engages in a gunfight with terrorists who return fire.
Is this scenario plausible, or is it another instance of Hollywood taking creative liberties? Would the aircraft immediately explode or lose pressure if a bullet penetrated its exterior?
Firing a gun on an airplane could lead to four potential outcomes:
- The bullet might pass through the plane's aluminum exterior, creating a small exit hole.
- It could strike a window, causing it to shatter.
- The bullet might damage wiring concealed within the walls or flooring.
- It could hit a fuel tank, leading to potential hazards.
If the bullet merely pierces the airplane's skin, the impact is minimal. The pressurized cabin would experience a small leak, but the pressurization system can handle it. A single hole, or even a few, would not significantly affect the aircraft.
A shattered window caused by a bullet poses a significant threat. The aircraft would lose pressure within seconds, and the rush of air toward the broken window could drag debris—and potentially unsecured passengers—along with it. This underscores the importance of always wearing your safety belt.
Loss of Cabin Pressure and Potential Bullet Damage
Minor bullet holes in the airplane's exterior won't significantly impact the cabin's integrity.
Photo courtesy stock.xchngThe sudden loss of cabin pressure at 30,000 feet (9,144 meters)—higher than Mount Everest—creates a critical situation. The thin air at this altitude can cause disorientation within minutes without supplemental oxygen. This is why oxygen masks deploy from the ceiling. Acting swiftly to secure a mask is crucial to maintaining clarity and safety.
A bullet striking wiring or critical components, such as the cockpit's instrument panel, could lead to issues ranging from minor (like in-flight entertainment failure) to catastrophic. The severity depends on the importance of the damaged system.
Another critical concern involves the fuel tanks. While commercial jets primarily store fuel in their wings, many aircraft, such as the 747, also have tanks in the fuselage. A bullet piercing one of these tanks could lead to fuel leaks and, in the worst-case scenario, an explosion.
As this analysis shows, firing a gun on an airplane is generally a terrible idea. However, if it becomes unavoidable, aim carefully to avoid damaging essential components.
